Man, woman and boy die in Loch Lomond incident

A man, woman and boy have died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lomond.

They are among six water deaths in Scotland this weekend.

The 41-year-old man, 29-year-old woman and nine-year-old boy died near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui in Argyll and Bute on Saturday evening.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the death toll "heartbreaking". Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park said it was "one of the worst weekends" in the park's history.

Emergency services were alerted to the Ardlui incident at about 18:40 on Saturday following "reports of concern" for people in the water.

Fire brigade appliances from Killin, Tyndrum and Balloch were sent to the scene, along with water rescue units from Oban and Stirling.

Police Scotland said three people were pronounced dead and a seven-year-old boy was rescued and taken to hospital in Glasgow where he is now in intensive care.

The force urged people to be careful in water after an "incredibly busy" weekend for emergency services.

An 11-year-old boy also died in a river near Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire on Saturday afternoon. He was pulled from the water at Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park after police were alerted at about 16:30.

Emergency services were also called to an incident on the River Clyde at Hazelbank near Lanark at about 17:55 on Saturday. The body of a 13-year-old boy was recovered on Sunday morning.

On Friday a 16-year-old boy also died in Loch Lomond. The teenager got into difficulty in the water near the pier at Balloch Country Park, sparking a major search.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the weekend's incidents were "heartbreaking".

"My thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones of those who have lost their lives in the water over the past couple of days," she tweeted.

"In Scotland, we have some of the most beautiful lochs and rivers in the world - but if swimming in them, please take care."

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Williams, said the number of deaths in open water this weekend was "hard to comprehend".

He added: "The warm weather can make open water swimming and paddling very inviting but it is extremely dangerous.

"The conditions can change very quickly and there are often hidden risks like deeper water and strong currents. Tragically, this weekend has highlighted that open water is very, very dangerous."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) also issued a warning about the dangers of cold water shock in warm weather.

SFRS Chief Officer Martin Blunden said: "Please, please make sure your loved ones, adults and kids, know how to behave around inland water.

"Yesterday was a tragic day for families and the first responder family. I am certain that all those affected thought it's just water - it isn't, it can also kill."

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, said the park would reflect on the events of the weekend and what could be done to prevent further tragedies.

He said: "I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have died. I also want to thank all of those involved in the search and recovery operations.

"This has undoubtedly been one of the worst weekends in the national park's history."

People across the UK have been warned to take extra care swimming in open water after dozens drowned during recent hot weather.