Coupar Angus boy (15) rescued from river

May 25 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

YOUNGSTERS across Perthshire have been urged to be cautious when swimming in local waterways after a teenager was involved in a “freak accident” on the outskirts of Coupar Angus.

The 15-year-old, who has not been named but is believed to be local, was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after he was saved by fire and rescue crews just after 7pm on Sunday evening.

Emergency services were alerted when the teenager got into trouble after entering the River Isla close to the Couttie Bridge.

He was treated at the scene for potential hypothermia and shock before being taken to Ninewells by ambulance, but is expected to make a full recovery.

John Middleton, a member of Coupar Angus, Ardler and Bendochy community council, urged people to take a “common sense approach” when enjoying the good weather.

Mr Middleton said: “It’s a pleasant area that people like to use when the weather’s nice.

“Youngsters like the water because it provides a sense of adventure, but I would say the incident at the weekend was a freak accident.

“People should use their common sense and their own initiative to look after themselves.”