Tragedy as body found in search for child, 15, missing after paddle boarding

A body has been recovered from a loch in Fife following an extensive multi-agency search for a 15-year-old paddle boarder who was reported missing on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to Loch Ore, within Lochore Meadows Country Park, at around 5.25pm after receiving a report of concern for a male who had been on the water.

Police, firefighters, and coastguard teams from three stations, supported by a rescue helicopter, launched a large-scale search effort across the 260-acre loch.

As part of the rescue operation, police closed the airspace above the loch to aircraft, helicopters and drones, while members of the public were urged to stay away from the spot. A planned gala event due to take place in the area was relocated to a nearby play park to allow emergency services to carry out their work.

On Sunday, Police Scotland confirmed that a male youth's body had been recovered from the water. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of the missing teenager has been informed of the discovery.

A police spokesperson said: "The body of a male youth was recovered from the water. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Tributes began to appear on social media soon after news of the tragic outcome emerged. One user wrote on X: "Awful news ... My thoughts are with his family at what's a devastating time for them."

Lochore Meadows Country Park, which attracts more than a million visitors each year, is a popular site for outdoor activities including sailing, paddle boarding and yachting.

It is also regularly used for training by the University of St Andrews Boat Club and hosts events such as the Scottish Open Water Championships.

Temperatures on Saturday afternoon had reached around 20C, drawing more people to the water as summer weather settled over the area.

Officials have reminded visitors to take care around open water and to follow all safety advice, particularly during warm weather conditions when lakes and lochs are busier than usual.