Children at a Moray secondary school have been left distraught by a second tragedy within the space of a few months.
Pupils at Buckie High School are struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of a classmate.
The 16-year-old, named locally as Callum Gault, was found dead near his home on Monday.
Senior pupils were so upset at the news yesterday that a planned drop-in session for primary seven pupils was called off.
In a touching tribute online, his sister Mhairi wrote: “As everyone now knows, my amazing absolutely gorgeous baby brother Callum is no longer with us. I love you so much Callum, I will forever have you in my heart and will never go a day without thinking about you, gone way too soon.”
It is the second tragedy youngsters at the school have had to deal with recently, after 14-year-old Neringa Narusyte was killed in a car crash in October.
As news of the tragedy spread through the town yesterday, councillor Sonya Warren called for the community to rally round to support each other.
She said: “This is a real tragedy, and it is another young life gone too soon.
“Like other folk throughout the town, I am thinking of the family and friends affected by this very sad news.
“The Buckie High School community will also be reeling, and it is important that everyone rallies round to comfort and support each other.”
Police yesterday confirmed that is not thought that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that officers were called to a property in the Buckie area during Monday evening, following reports of the sudden death of a 16-year-old male.”
For people who might be seeking some support in coping with life, Breathing Space is a free, confidential service which can be contacted on 0800 838587.
The Samaritans offer a free and confidential emotional support service and are available 24 hours a day, every day, on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org