Family of a 15-year-old Kelso girl whose body was recovered from the Tweed say death has 'left us feeling numb'

The town of Kelso is in mourning this week after the tragic loss of a 15-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the River Tweed.
By Paul Kelly
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 12:55 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2021, 12:09 BST
A stretch of the River Tweed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)A stretch of the River Tweed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)
A stretch of the River Tweed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)

Emergency services converged on a location close to Trows Farm, just off the A699 Maxton road, near Kelso, shortly after 3pm on Monday, March 22, after reports that a canoeist had got into difficulty.

It is believed two people were canoeing on the river when the accident happened, leaving one person trapped on a rock.

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Water rescue teams joined police, fire and ambulance services at the scene and soon after a body was recovered from the river.

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A stretch of the River Twed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)A stretch of the River Twed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)
A stretch of the River Twed, south of Rutherfords on Trows Farm, between Maxton and Kelso. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)

The Southern has been made aware of the identity of the teenager who lost her life but her name has not yet been made public by the police.

It is believed the family of the teenager run a cafe in Kelso, where a closure notice has been placed in the window of the premises.

It reads: “For the next few days the cafe will not be opening. A sudden death has left us feeling numb.

"Thank you for your kind thoughts. God bless to all.”

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Kelso provost Dean Weatherston knew the deceased and is a friend of the family.

He issued a statement expressing the community’s shock and dismay at her loss.

Mr Weatherston said: “Myself and the community are deeply saddened by the tragic events of yesterday and our thoughts are with the family.

"She was a lovely young lady with a thoughtful and caring outlook on life and had achieved so much in her young life.

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"Her family are a well respected local family who do so much for the community and we’re all sharing their pain today,” he added.

Detective Inspector Alistair Sellar said: “We were called around 3.30pm on Monday, March 22 to a report of a canoeist getting into difficulty on the River Tweed, south of Rutherford, near Kelso.

“Emergency services attended and a rescue operation was launched.

"The body of a 15-year-old girl was recovered from the water a short time later. Her family are aware.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Our thoughts are with the family at this time.

Related topics:KelsoEmergency services