FLORAL tributes were last night laid at the gates of a school where a teenage girl collapsed and died.
Kiera Beagle, 14, fell ill shortly after lunchtime in the gym hall at her Shotts school yesterday.
Shocked pupils watched as teachers administered first aid until emergency services arrived at the scene.
Paramedics raced Keira to the new Royal Hospital for Children by helicopter but she died shortly after arrival.
A classmate paid tribute to the young girl with a bright bouquet of flowers and a poignant card.
It read: “Dear Keira, Heaven must have needed you more than us.
“I will miss you so much, Love from Heather Duncanson.”
John Robertson, Head Teacher of Calderhead High School, paid tribute to his pupil.
He said: “Everyone within our school community is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of one of our S2 pupils.
“At this time all our thoughts and sympathy go out to her family and friends."
“We will provide our young people at Calderhead with our full support to help them this most difficult time.''
The school is open today for exams and to give support to those who need it.
Shotts MP Neil Gray tweeted: “Absolutely devastating news, so sorry to hear this. Thoughts with the family and friends at Calderhead.”
Alex Neil, SNP MSP for Shotts and Airdrie, also posted online saying: “Absolutely shocked and saddened by news of the passing of a Calderhead High pupil. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Paul McGarry posted on Facebook that he was “shocked and saddened” by the news.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and staff and students at Calderhead high school.”
Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for the Lothian region, took to Twitter to demand pre-emptive heart screenings.
He wrote: “Awful news today from Shotts. My thoughts are with family and wider school community. Time for youth heart screening.”
Hundreds of people paid tribute to Kiera on Facebook, including some believed to be schoolfriends.
Friend Regan Cowan tweeted that Keira was "gone but never forgotten, taken far too young, brightest star in the sky.”
She later added: “Today’s really shown even though Shotts is small there’s so many caring supportive people. Proud to be part of the community.”
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “A 14-year-old pupil at Calderhead High School, Shotts, was taken ill during a sports lesson. Staff called the emergency services and she was taken to hospital in Glasgow where, sadly, she died shortly afterwards.”
Police Scotland said the death was being treated as unexplained.
Shotts councillor Thomas Cochrane said: “I can confirm that education services have been in touch with myself regarding the above.
“Sadly, as the police statement says, the young girl passed away.
“The school will be open for exams, also physiological services and other staff will be at the school tomorrow for any pupil who needs to speak to them or requires support.
“My thoughts are with the family at this very sad time”.
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