An investigation is underway following the unexplained death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was discovered in Gore Glen Woodland Park. Police Scotland confirmed the discovery, which occurred around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday.
The area, a popular woodland park with views of the Pentland Hills, was cordoned off by police as inquiries began. Emergency services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service, attended the scene to support the operation. The Scottish Ambulance Service deployed two ambulances, a special operations team, and a critical care paramedic.
Floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left at the park entrance by members of the public, expressing sorrow and offering condolences to the girl's family. Messages attached to the flowers included "sleep tight thoughts with your family."
Colin Beattie, the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Midlothian North, described the incident as "deeply distressing" for the local community. He urged the public to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time and to allow the police to conduct their investigation unimpeded.
Gore Glen has historical significance, having been the site of Scotland's first industrial-scale gunpowder mill established in 1794. For almost 70 years, the Gore Water was utilized to power 10 waterwheels at the mill.