Calton Hill death: Girl named as family pay tribute and appeal for information

The body of Mhari O'Neil, 15, was found at the beauty spot early on Saturday morning.

Author: Max SteelePublished 12th Dec 2018
Last updated 12th Dec 2018

The family of a teenage girl whose body was found on Calton Hill are asking to help finding out exactly what led to her death.

Police have named the 15-year old as Mhari O'Neil who was from Edinburgh's Willowbrae area.

It's thought she met a friend at Waverley Station on Friday afternoon (7 Dec) before making her way to the well-known city centre beauty spot.

She was reported missing during the early hours of Saturday.

Mhairi's body was then found by a member of the public at around 6:30am and her death is currently being treated as unexplained.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, the family of Mhari O'Neill 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."

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour from the Major Investigation Team said: "Our deepest sympathies are with Mhari's family and friends at this time.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.

"We believe Mhari met a friend in the city centre, near to Waverley Station, on Friday afternoon before making her way to Calton Hill sometime later.

"However, 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.

"We are committed to providing Mhari's family with as much information in relation to her death as possible and anyone who can assist with our ongoing inquiry is urged to come forward.

"Naturally, we are working closely with partners in Education to help support any young people who may have been affected by Mhari's death."

Those with information can contact the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh via 101 and quote incident number 900 of the 8th December