TRIBUTES have been paid to a 15-year-old boy who died after falling 80ft down an Aberdeenshire cliff.
Cameron Smithies, 15, of Cruden Bay, died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday after slipping at the ruins of Slains Castle near Cruden Bay the previous evening.
The schoolboy from Ellon Academy was airlifted to hospital by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth in an operation involving Coastguard teams from Peterhead and Fraserburgh and the Peterhead lifeboat.
It is thought the teenager fell into a deep gully.
Ellon Academy headteacher Tim McKay said staff and pupils had been "devastated" by Cameron's death.
Mr McKay said: "Cameron was a happy boy with a wide circle of friends. He was very popular, enjoying lots of banter with his classmates.
"Cameron worked hard in all his studies but particularly enjoyed the more practical subjects at school. He had decided to stay on next year before taking up an apprenticeship after that.
"Staff and pupils are devastated by his death: he will be missed by us all."
Family and friends posted tributes to the teenager, a keen canoeist and a member of Peterhead Canoe Club, on social networking sites. His aunt Caroline posted on Facebook: "RIP Cameron Scott Smithies you were the best nephew and taken from us far to soon rest easy now xxxx."
Best friend Robbie Watts said: "He was simply amazing and was my best friend and he showed me what the words 'best friend' meant. I miss him. RIP buddy. Love you. Sleep tight up there."
Peterhead Canoe Club chairman Daryn Hubbucks said: "Cameron was a cheeky wee monkey with a big heart and zest for life. He was just starting out in life and getting his kayak feet, Cameron was just well up for anything."
Malcolm Brown, another club member, said: "This is really devastating sad news. He was a likeable, frendly guy and fun to have along on the river trips."
His sister Morgan posted: "RIP to my amazing brother."
Constable Matthew Roger, of Buchan Local Policing Team, warned of the dangers of the cliffs.
He said: "I would like to highlight the particularly hazardous nature of the ruins at Slains Castle. Members of the public are encouraged to take great care at this site and parents are asked to ensure they are aware and take efforts to prevent their children playing here unsupervised."
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