Fears over woman ‘trapped in Stirling coppermine’

A MAJOR search and rescue operation was underway today amid fears that a woman may have fallen down the shaft of a former coppermine.

A search and rescue operation has been mounted in Bridge of Allan over fears a woman has fallen down a coppermine. Picture: Comp

The long disused mine, in woods above Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, was worked intermittently since the 16th century and at one time, copper from the mine was used in the mint at Stirling Castle.

Police were called this morning after a woman walking her dog reported hearing a female voice shouting for help from the vicinity of the mine.

More than 20 officers from the Forth Valley Division of Police Scotland, a specialist Police Dog and handler from Fife Division, the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team and volunteers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association were called to search the area near the former copper mine and close to the local Golf Club.

Inspector Graham Capes, who is overseeing the search, said: “We received a report this morning from a regular dog walker in the area that she had heard a woman’s voice calling for help. but could not identify where it was coming from.

Police officers immediately attended, and due to the difficult terrain, we have requested specialist assistance.

Police appealed for anyone who has any information which could assist them to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible on 101.