Classmates promise to honour Crags teen

FRIENDS of a teenager who died after falling from Salisbury Crags have pledged to honour him at their school.

More than 100 teenagers from Portobello High School climbed Arthur's Seat to take part in a silent tribute to remember 17-year-old Calum Veitch, whose body was found in Holyrood Park on Sunday morning. There are now plans for a plaque at the school.

The much-loved "rugby mad" teen is believed to have accidentally fallen from the Crags after he enjoyed a night out on Saturday night to mark the end of the rugby season.

Dozens of flowers have been laid on the Crags and in Holyrood Park, and pupils said they were planning to put a plaque in the school and, if permitted, somewhere in Holyrood Park.

A spokesman for Portobello High School said: "Pupils and staff are very keen to create a lasting memorial to celebrate Calum's life and to mark the impact he made during his time at the school."

The teenager, from Portobello, was a promising rugby player who had hoped to continue to play rugby throughout his life. He had also secured his referee licence and had been helping to coach Portobello High School's under-15s team.

He played for local American football team the Edinburgh Wolves and for the Musselburgh Rugby Football Club's under-18s team, the Colts.

He leaves behind his father, Robin, also a rugby player and referee, mother Joanne and brother Craig.

Deputy headteacher, Margaret Williamson, said: "Calum really was an exceptionally nice lad and he'll be hugely missed. When his name is mentioned everyone, without exception, talks about how lovely he was. We have lost one of the good guys.

"He was extremely thoughtful and this quality shone through in his work as a school buddy and peer supporter where he gave his time freely to work with others. He was a shining example to our younger pupils."

Euan McMillan, who coached Calum at Musselburgh, said the teenager, who lived with his family in Duddingston, was loved by everyone.

He said: "We are all absolutely devastated. Calum and his older brother Craig were model boys.

"His mum and dad have been around the rugby club for years. They were very close, his dad is a respected referee and his mum, Joanne, would help out and organise food."

Calum's funeral service will be held at Warriston Crematorium's Lorimer Chapel on Monday at 1pm. His family, friends and teammates are welcome.