Al Balushi FamilyVisitors at a beauty spot near Stirling are being warned of the dangers after a student from Oman drowned at the site.
Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi’s body was recovered from the water near the Devil’s Pulpit around 1.30pm on May 21.
The 21-year-old student was visiting the popular spot with friends when he got into difficulty in the water while attempting to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned.
SuppliedHis family said some of his friends were also trapped in a gorge and “narrowly survived”.
One friend jumped into the water to try and save Marwan, but was unsuccessful. He was later pronounced dead by emergency services.
Marwan’s family described him as “kind and intelligent”. He had been due to visit home on May 26.
His parents said: “Our son was full of life, love, and curiosity. He went on this trip with his friends in high spirits, excited to explore nature.
“We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice.
“Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into.
“This loss has shattered our family. I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.”
Now, Lomond Mountain Rescue Team, who were called out to the Devil’s Pulpit on three occasions recently, are warning of dangers at the site.
Volunteers say the steps to the gully have suffered collapse and that the gorge edge has a number of areas that are loose and overhang the gorge.
Water levels, despite a recent dry weather spell, are also said to have reached depths of 3m.
A Facebook statement read: “We understand the wish to visit this beautiful and interesting geological feature, but we would highlight that in addition to the parking/road traffic issues, there is no easy access to the gorge itself.
Al Balushi Family“The main gully steps have suffered a further collapse and would not be recommended.
“In addition, the gorge edge has a number of areas that are loose and actually overhang the gorge.
“Despite the recent dry spell leading to an apparently low water level, there are a number of deep (2m to 3m depth) pools that can contain entrapment hazards that are not visible from the surface.
“If visiting, please consider the potential consequences of a slip, wear appropriate footwear and above all stay safe.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the loved ones of the person who tragically died at the Devil’s Pulpit last week.
“While we recognise the concerns that have been raised by the family, as the site is located on private land, health and safety measures are the responsibility of the landowner.”
Marwan was studying data science at the University of Strathclyde.
Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics co-ordinator, said the community was “deeply saddened” by the death.
“As a student on the BSc Data Analytics programme, which combines mathematics, statistics and computer science, Marwan demonstrated strong academic ability, particularly in mathematics and coding, and engaged thoughtfully with his studies,” Dr Miller said.
“I last met with him in February and since then he had completed all his Spring exams and was looking ahead with quiet optimism.
“Marwan was a valued member of our student community. His potential, his presence, and the warmth he brought to those around him will be deeply missed.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this profoundly difficult time.”
A Police Scotland statement read: “Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire.
“Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a mountain rescue team, attended, and the body of a man was recovered from the water at Devil’s Pulpit.
“He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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