Tributes to 'much-loved' teenage girl found dead in Edinburgh

The family of a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was found dead near a tourist attraction in the centre of Edinburgh have paid tribute to the “much loved” teenager as they appealed for information.

A member of the public found the body of Mhari O’Neill on Calton Hill at around 6.30am on Saturday, after she was reported missing in the early hours of the morning.

Police are currently treating her death as unexplained as they try to establish what happened.

Officers believe the teenager, from the Willowbrae area of the city, met a friend near Waverley Station on Friday before later going to Calton Hill.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, her family said: "Mhari was much loved by all that knew her and we know that her passing will have a profound impact on her closest friends, as it has ourselves.

"Mhari was considering applying to attend university and one of her main passions was music; she loved going to gigs.

"What we need now is to find out exactly what happened to Mhari and we want anyone who thinks they may have information to get in touch with the police.

"We thank everyone for their support and ask that we be left in privacy to grieve at this time."

Police are urging anyone with information about the teenager's movements to contact them.

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen her throughout the evening or early morning of Saturday, so we have a clearer picture of all her movements.

"Mhari's death is currently unexplained and her movements for a number of hours prior to her body being found are unaccounted for.”

Ruth McKay, head teacher at Portobello High School, said staff and pupils were “deeply saddened” by Mhari’s death.

She added: "Mhari was a lovely, friendly girl who was well-liked by both staff and young people. Her bubbly, out-going nature and ready smile will be much-missed in school.

"We have been ensuring that young people and staff are offered all the support they need at this sad time."