Body of schoolgirl, 11, found in Scottish woodland river after search operation

An 11-year-old girl has died after emergency services found her in a river at a woodland park in Scotland.

A search operation had earlier taken place due to "reports of concern" for a young girl in Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge in Midlothian.

Police confirmed the schoolgirl was found at about 4.25pm yesterday and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Friday, police maintained a cordon around paths which pass underneath Shank Bridge. The bridge carries the A7 road over the Gore Water.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday August 6.

"The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near to Shank Bridge around 4.25pm.

"She was pronounced dead at the scene and her family are aware.

"Her death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

The Gore Water river runs through the park - a beauty spot with views of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson added that two ambulances and its "special operations team", as well as a critical care paramedic team, were sent to the scene.

Colin Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian North, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a young girl at Gore Glen Woodland Park.

"My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

"This is a deeply distressing incident for the local community, and I know many people will be shocked and saddened by the news."

(c) Sky News 2026: Body of schoolgirl, 11, found in Scottish woodland river after search operation