Man, 38 dies in water tragedy

A man died after getting into difficulty in water near Killin at the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Ben Lawers Dam, Lochan na Lairige, near Killin, at around 6.25pm on Friday after reports of two men in difficulty.

One man was treated by paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service while a major search was launched to find his missing friend.

The frantic search continued over the weekend with public access to the area restricted by a cordon.

The body of the 38-year-old was then discovered on Sunday afternoon.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.25pm on Friday, May 19, we received a report of two men in difficulty in the water at Ben Lawers Dam, Lochan na Lairige, near Killin.

“Emergency services attended and one man was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.

“The body of a 38-year-old man was recovered around 12.30pm on Sunday, May 21. His family is aware.”

The water tragedy comes as residents and visitors to the area are being reminded of the dangers presented by water during the warmer summer months.

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed recently met with representatives from Water Safety Scotland in the Scottish Parliament to discuss their work around water safety.

Water Safety Scotland (WSS), hosted by ROSPA, is a voluntary association of organisations, all working to reduce the rate of accidental drownings in Scotland.

Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said:“there have been a number of tragic deaths in the constituency in recent years, and I was pleased to hear of the progress WSS is making to address this.

“I really encourage constituents to look at the resources form Water Safety Scotland, and encourage caution, whether you intend to enter the water or not.”