By Bill Heaney

Despite a record year for deaths in the water and repeated warnings to keep safe, eleven people have had to be rescued at a beauty spot near Loch Lomond during a major operation involving mountain rescue teams.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the Falls of Falloch, just over four miles from Crianlarich at the northernmost point of Loch Lomond , at about 17:30 when reports came in of a crowd of swimmers struggling amid rising water levels.

Specialist water rescue crews were sent from Tyndrum and Killin along with police officers and paramedics.

Loch Falloch is a popular camping spot with crowds of young people who sometimes  leave litter and even their tents behind them when they leave.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Operations Control mobilised a number of resources to the scene, where firefighters assisted 11 people across a gorge to safety.”

There were no reports of any injuries and emergency crews have been stood down.

• It has not yet been revealed if any of those rescued was jumping from the Falls of Falloch which were featured in a photographic feature in The Democrat earlier this week. The picture at the top of the page is of cyclists leaving Balmaha for Glen Falloch.

  Statement on  fatality following an incident at Loch Lubnaig on Sunday 25 July

  

  Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, pictured above, said: “Tragically, another water-related death within the National Park has been confirmed by Police Scotland.

  “A 34-year-old man died in hospital after getting into difficulties in Loch Lubnaig at the weekend. Our deepest sympathies are with his friends and family.

  “With five people having lost their lives in three separate incidents across the Park, the last few days have been devastating and we are thinking of all of those connected to those who have died.

  “A series of urgent meetings are being held this week to reflect on these tragedies and discuss potential further actions to improve water safety.

  “We are also using our communications to raise awareness of vital water safety advice, particularly around the risks of cold water shock and potential for sudden changes in the depth of water. We ask everyone to take a moment to read about these risks and help us spread these important messages to as many people as possible.”

  Read more about the actions being taken in response to these tragic incidents.