Girl dies after waterfall plunge

Laura McDairmant died after falling onto rocks at Black Loch

A 15-year-old girl has died after she fell 30ft (9m) on to rocks at a waterfall in Dumfries and Galloway.

Laura McDairmant, from Carlisle, was with a group of teenagers from North Cumbria on holiday at the Barcaple Christian Centre near Castle Douglas.

She had been taking part in a pool jumping activity at a waterfall on the Grey Mare's Tail burn at Black Loch, near Newton Stewart, on Tuesday.

She suffered serious injuries to her body and face in the incident.

She was airlifted to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, and a health board spokesman said her parents were with her when she died.

'About to jump'

Seventeen teenagers had been taking part in the Galloway Forest Park outdoor pursuit activity course, organised by the Barcaple Christian activity centre.

"The group had been involved in jumping from various rocks into a deep pool of water below," said Insp Stephen Stiff, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary area commander.

The girl lost her footing and fell on to rocks below Insp Stephen Stiff

"She had been about to jump from the highest rock, an estimated distance of 35ft, when she appeared to have second thoughts and attempted to turn back.

"The girl lost her footing and fell on to rocks below."

The Abernethy Trust, which organised the activity in the Galloway Forest Park, expressed its shock at the "terrible accident".

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority have begun investigating.

Police said the group was supervised by nine adults, and two were experienced team leaders.