Lockdown-flouting teens in Newton Mearns risk their lives jumping into quarry ‘death trap’

The owner of Pilmuir Quarry, in East Renfrewshire, says youngsters have been risking their lives cliff-jumping while under the influence of drugs and alcohol during lockdown.

Youngsters have been flocking to the “barren and contaminated” quarry in Newton Mearns, equipped with alcohol, drugs and blow-up toys in a bid to cliff-jump or poach fish during the hot weather.

Vandalism, thefts and littering have also been reported.

The owner of Pilmuir Quarry, Matthew Darroch (41) has warned the place is a “ticking time bomb” – and has attempted to reason with teenagers, cautioning that the water can hide unseen dangers.

Mr Darroch, who has owned the site for eight years, said: “Every sunny day, people break into the quarry.

“Since lockdown, and with all the new homes being built in the area, there has been a massive influx of people and sometimes I can’t even get into the quarry because of the amount of cars parked there.

“They come to cliff-dive, poach fish or vandalise and steal.

“People have been breaking through the fences, setting the cliff-top on fire and all sorts of other nonsense.

“The place is a barren, contaminated death trap.

“Someone will end up being killed there.

“It’s a ticking time bomb and a recipe for disaster as most of these groups bring alcohol, drugs, their swimming gear and even inflatables.”

Four years ago Mr Darroch was seriously assaulted by teens he had attempted to warn of the dangers – but he continues to speak to youngsters to warn them.

Mr Darroch added: “In May 2016 I was seriously assaulted by a group of teenagers who were all kicking, punching and stamping on me while I was on the ground.

“The incidents are just relentless, 24/7, awith sometimes up to four groups on a sunny day.

“I’ve been going along to the quarry most days and putting myself in the thick of it to try to make sure nothing happens but I’ve been getting threatened.

“I fear something bad is going to happen.”

Inspector Stevie Scott, of Giffnock police office, said: “Bodies of water like these can be very deep and cold and activities such as swimming and diving into these, without proper equipment and knowledge of the specific dangers that lurk within, can be extremely dangerous.

“We have noted an increase in alcohol use in and around these areas, which adds to the element of danger, and we are keen to stress that extreme caution must be taken at all times and people should refrain from swimming in and around these areas.”