An online fundraiser has been launched in memory of a little boy who drowned in a Highland loch.
Michael Heeps tragically died after he got into difficulties while swimming in Loch Lubnaig in the Trossachs on Wednesday.
The tragedy happened after the 10-year-old from High Valleyfield, in Fife, and his family went on a day out because their holiday abroad had been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Family friend Lorraine Coulter, set up a Go Fund Me appeal on Thursday and within hours of its launch more than 238 donors had gifted £5,159.
Writing on the page, she said: “To raise a little money for the family after the tragic loss of their very much loved son and brother. A member of the family has given the permission to do this. Hopefully our community will pull together to help them out at this very sad time.”
The Record earlier revealed how fire crews and police raced to the scene in a desperate bid to rescue Michael but police later confirmed he had died.
In a statement issued by police, his family paid tribute to Michael, saying: “He was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.”
Dozens of tributes have been posted on social media by heartbroken friends and family.
Cousin Emma Fraser wrote: “Hearts breaking. R.I.P. to my little cousin. Fly high wee man.”
Another friend wrote: “Thinking of the family. How tragic. God bless wee man.”
A source close to the family said: “They were meant to be on holiday abroad but, because of the coronavirus, they had to stay home of course and decided to have a day out with the kids. It’s tragic. He was a lovely wee boy. I feel so sad for his family.”
Another local friend, who asked not to be named, said: “He was a lovely wee polite boy with a good wee mum who was a hard worker and came from a nice family who work hard. The whole family are absolutely devastated. It was meant to be a day out for the family to enjoy the sunshine and has turned into a tragedy. His mum and dad are bereft and heartbroken.
“It’s a shame. The whole village is feeling it today.”
A police spokeswoman said: “A 10-year-old boy has died following an incident in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, on Wednesday.
“Emergency services were called at about 5.35pm to reports of a child experiencing difficulty in the water. Sadly, the boy died.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, inquiries are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
To donate to the fundraiser click here.
