11-year-old girl dies after being found in river near Gorebridge

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 7th Aug 2026

An 11-year-old girl has died after emergency services found her in a river at a woodland park in Midlothian.

A search operation had earlier taken place due to “reports of concern” for a young girl in Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge.

Police confirmed the schoolgirl was found at around 4.25pm on Thursday and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her family are aware.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday August 6.

“The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near to Shanks Bridge around 4.25pm.

“She was pronounced dead at the scene and her family are aware.

“Her death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

A small river runs through the park, which is a beauty spot with views of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh.

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