Students have been offered counselling after the sudden death of a teenager at a top Perthshire boarding school.
Emergency services were scrambled to Strathallan School, near Forgandenny, just after 7am on Monday. Neighbours reported several police cars with blue flashing lights “racing” through the village.
Police Scotland confirmed that the teenager’s death was being treated as “unexplained” and a full investigation is now under way.
A spokeswoman for the school said: “Strathallan School can now confirm that the emergency services have been dealing with a death at the school.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences and support to the family and all others affected.”
She said: “The chaplain and chapel are available all day for anybody in need of support.
“We are unable to comment further at this time.”
The youngster’s details have not been released.
A Police Scotland spokesman added: “We were called around 7.20am on Monday to a school near Perth, following the death of a teenager.
“The death is being treated as unexplained. Inquiries are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Locals said several police vehicles attended at the school. One resident said: “It looked like a full scale emergency.
“I counted five cars racing past me with their blue lights on.”
He said: “What has happened is just heartbreaking.”
Almond and Earn councillor Henry Anderson said: “This is an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to the teenager’s family and friends.”
Fellow ward councillor and depute provost Kathleen Baird added: “My thoughts are with not only the family, but with staff and pupils at the school. They will have been like a second family to this person, and this will have been absolutely devastating news for everyone.”
The fee-paying school is home to more than 550 boarding students, from ages nine to 18.
Last week, it welcomed a group of students from Indonesia as part of an international exchange programme.
The school, set in more than 153 acres of land, was opened in 1913 and has a staff of more than 100.
Its alumni includes champion golfer Colin Montgomerie, former British jump jockey Peter Niven and radio presenter Jim Gellatly.
