Samaritans helpline signs are being installed at known suicide hotspots in a bid to curb the toll of tragedy throughout Perth and Kinross.
Anti-suicide measures are being put in place at Perthshire bridges as part of a region-wide safety plan drawn up by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire chiefs are working with the local authority and other partners on a five-point strategy to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur at at rivers, lochs and beaches in the area.
A study of 68 emergency call-outs over the last four years showed that eight people died and a further 18 were injured in such incidents.
Sites such as Pitlochry Dam and the bridges in Perth city centre received the highest number of call-outs prompted by suicide attempts or “misadventure”, such as open water swimming in the summer months.
The signs are due to be put in place by the middle of this month.
In December the Courier revealed that crushing debt faced by residents in Highland Perthshire had left some with suicidal thoughts.
About a third of those who contacted the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt counselling centre in Aberfeldy admitted they were considering taking their lives when they first called for help.
Perth Samaritans can be contacted on 01738 626666, by emailing jo@samaritans.org, or at 3 King’s Place, Perth.