Mum of teen who drowned in River Tweed to hang lifebelt near scene of tragedy as part of ongoing campaign
Martin Moriarty was just 13-years-old when he died in 2009
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
A lifebelt's set to be installed on the banks of the River Tweed in Kelso - close to the spot where a teenager drowned more than a decade ago.
It follows a campaign by the family of Martin Moriarty (pictured above), who was just 13-years-old when tragedy struck in 2009.
He was pulled under the water by strong currents while swimming with friends at the Cobby - a popular beauty spot down stream from Floors Castle.
Last year, Martin's brother Andrew was also found dead in the river, after disappearing during a night out - aged just 28.
A previous plea for life-saving equipment was rejected amid concerns it would spoil the look of the area.
But, after speaking to Radio Borders as part of our #GetWaterWise campaign, to highlight the dangers of playing near open water; Martin and Andrew's mum, Anne, launched a petition - in a bid to force a rethink.
And it went on to attract more than 800 signatures - as well as support from the current administration at Scottish Borders Council.
Anne will be joined by Kelso Provost Dean Weatherston for the unveiling ceremony at 10.45am (August 23rd). It will be followed by a water safety demonstration by the local fire and rescue service, from 11am to 3pm.
Speaking ahead of the event, Anne said: "To say I am emotional is an understatement. To have gotten here so quickly is incredible, so many people came on board and gave it everything to make it happen, we have an amazing community in Kelso.
"I hope as many people as possible can make it down to the Cobby to watch our fire and rescue services doing a demonstration and offering invaluable advice.
"I am so happy to see this come to this juncture and I now look forward to promoting water safety in education."
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It's hoped installing a lifebelt on the banks of the Tweed in Kelso will warn visitors of the dangers of the river - and help save lives.
Borders councillor Euan Robson - who is also President of Kelso Angling Association - also hopes it will be the first of many.
He said: "This is part of an ongoing campaign which will continue over the weeks and months ahead. We'll be fundraising in due course for additional lifebelts and installing them as and where it's possible."
Fire chiefs will demonstrate how to pull someone from the river using a lifeline during the demonstration.
Steve Gourlay is the local area commander. He said: "The safest way to rescue someone from a waterway when they're in distress is not to go and get them - that's almost the last resort, even for our trained and equipped specialists.
"The throw lines, as they're called, hopefully someone can get hold of those and we can drag them back into the side."
Anyone attending today's free event is urged not to park at the Cobby - with alternative spaces available in nearby Edinburgh Road and Roxburgh Street, Kelso.