A toddler group in Blairgowrie is to pay their respects to a local two-year-old who died after being pulled from a Perthshire river.
Jacob McIntyre, who was found in the River Ericht on Sunday, was a member of Rattray Rugrats, a parent and child group.
One Blairgowrie mum who knew the family has also paid tribute.
Rattray Rugrats meets on Thursdays in the Community Connect centre just five miles from the scene of the tragedy at Milton of Drimmie, but organisers say the upcoming session has been cancelled following the tragedy.
In a post on the Community Connect in Rattray Facebook page, they said: “As a mark of respect due to the recent tragedy there will be no Rattray Rugrats on Thursday, February 23 2017.
“Our thoughts are with the family.”
Members of the group were too upset to comment when contacted yesterday but one local mother who knew Jacob descrived him as “lovely”.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “She was a great mum and her boys are lovely – very friendly kids.
“Jacob was very boyish – he liked playing with cars. He was very easy-going and a typical two-year-old.
“I only found out it was him this morning. It’s tragic.”
Two women lay flowers and a Peppa Pig teddy at the property on Monday.
People in the community have left flowers and cuddly toys at the main gate leading to the family home – among them a Peppa Pig teddy and a Lego figure. One note read “So sorry, our thoughts are with you, from Drimmie Cottage”.
One young boy could be seen clutching a small posy of snow drops – which have begun to flower in abundance in the area – as he walked towards the gate, while a young girl accompanied her mother to lay a brightly-coloured bouquet.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Wales offered his condolences to Jacob’s family.
He said: “This is a very tragic incident which resulted in a young boy sadly losing his life. The events will undoubtedly bring shock and sadness to this small community and further afield.
“We would like to thank our Scottish Fire and Rescue Service colleagues for their courage and assistance in Sunday’s difficult conditions.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jacob’s family at this difficult time.”
As with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Jacob’s family are said to be too upset by their loss to make any further statement.
Local councillor Caroline Shiers also paid tribute to Jacob, and praised the emergency services for their handling of a harrowing situation.
She said: “My thoughts with the family of the little boy.
“My thoughts too with all those from the emergency services who were involved.”
