Denny and Dunipace community pay tribute to tragic drowning teen Charlie Noble

Charlie Noble died on Thursday, May 28 after an incident at the Bracklinn Falls, near Callendar.

The 16-year-old’s body was recovered from the water by emergency services alerted to concerns for someone around 6.45pm.

He had been with a group of youngsters celebrating the end of exams when the tragedy occurred.

Residents in the area reported seeing a major emergency response, including two helicopters, a fire engine, several ambulances and police vehicles shortly before 7pm.

It is understood the Denny High pupil lived with his dad Tam and grandfather Tommy.

The area’s gala day was scheduled to take place on Saturday and hours before it was due to start the organising committee revealed they had considered cancelling the event.

However, they decided it should go ahead to the community could come together to remember and pay tribute to Charlie.

In a social media post, they stated: “As many of you know, our town has recently suffered the heartbreaking loss of a young boy, Charlie Noble, from our community.

"As we prepare for Gala Day this Saturday, there have been discussions about whether the event should go ahead. After careful consideration, we feel that bringing the community together is more important than ever. Rather than cancelling, we would like to provide an opportunity for everyone to remember and honour his life.

"We will be designating a special area overlooking the park where people can leave tributes, messages, flowers, and memories, or simply take a quiet moment to reflect and pay their respects.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We hope this space will allow our community to come together in support, remembrance, and celebration of a young life gone far too soon.

"Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and support.”

A bench in Herbertshire Castle Park had a wreath placed and people were invited to leave their own tributes to the teenager.

Many people had also left floral tributes and other mementoes of Charlie, known as Meatball to his many friends, in the grounds of Denny High School.

Pupils who had been on a trip to Alton Towers at the weekend which returned on Sunday evening were given white roses by the school to leave as a tribute to Charlie.

Youngsters have also been offered support coming to terms with the tragedy.

Paul Dunn, Denny High head teacher, said: “We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our much-loved pupils following a tragic accident at Bracklinn Falls.

"Charlie was a highly valued member of our school community and was held in great affection by so many pupils, staff and in the wider community.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this distressing time. This is an incredibly challenging time for our whole school community, and the impact of this loss is deeply felt, and he will be sorely missed by staff and pupils.

“We have put in appropriate support for our pupils and staff as we come to terms with this tragic loss. We respectfully ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.45pm on Thursday, May 28, we received a report of a concern for a person at Bracklinn Falls, Callander.

“Emergency services attended and the body of a 16-year-old boy was recovered from the water.”

The spokesperson said the death is not being treated as suspicious, but that a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.