A peaceful camping trip turned fatal in Argyll and Bute as a man and woman were found dead inside a tent by the shores of Loch Awe. Police believe the cause may be carbon monoxide poisoning linked to a camping stove.
The couple, who have not yet been named, were discovered around 4:25pm on Saturday near the village of Dalmally. Authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances.
Quiet Afternoon Ends in Devastating Discovery
Police officers were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the couple’s wellbeing. Upon arrival, they found both individuals unresponsive inside their tent.
Emergency services declared them dead at the scene.
The tent was pitched near the water’s edge, not far from Kilchurn Castle—a spot popular with wild campers. A nearby walker told local media that the area had been “eerily quiet” for most of the day.
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The tent showed no signs of forced entry or damage. Everything inside was described as “in order.”
Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Danger Outdoors Too
While carbon monoxide poisoning is commonly associated with faulty home boilers, it’s an under-acknowledged threat in outdoor settings too.
Experts say the danger often lies in using portable camping stoves or BBQs inside enclosed tents, especially at night when ventilation is limited.
The invisible gas has no smell or taste.
Sleeping campers may not even realise they’re breathing in lethal fumes. By the time symptoms like headaches, dizziness or confusion appear—if they appear at all—it may already be too late.
Not the First Time: Similar Cases in Scotland’s Outdoors
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated tragedy. Scotland has seen other incidents over the years where campers or festivalgoers fell victim to carbon monoxide poisoning in tents.
Here’s a snapshot of notable cases from the last decade:
| Year | Location | Incident Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Loch Earn | A 35-year-old man died after using BBQ inside a tent |
| 2016 | T in the Park | Two teenagers hospitalised, survived |
| 2019 | Glen Etive | Family treated for CO poisoning after stove leak |
| 2022 | Perthshire Campsite | Camper died after leaving stove on overnight |
These tragedies have prompted repeated public safety campaigns. Yet, awareness remains worryingly low.
Community in Shock as Tributes Pour In
Locals in Dalmally, a quiet village with under 300 residents, said the news had “rocked” the tight-knit area.
One shopkeeper said: “We don’t know who they were, but it’s heartbreaking. People come here for peace, for beauty, and to lose their lives like that… it’s just awful.”
Others left flowers at a tree near the loch where the couple had camped.
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Some wild campers, upon hearing the news, packed up early and left. “You hear about these things, but it hits different when it happens right beside you,” said one solo traveller from Stirling.
What Police and Safety Bodies Are Saying
Police Scotland confirmed they are not treating the deaths as suspicious and that a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, which is standard protocol.
The spokesperson added: “While formal identification is yet to take place, the families of the man and woman have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reiterated guidance around camping safety, urging people not to use stoves or fuel-burning gear inside tents.
The British Red Cross and mountain rescue organisations have also issued reminders on social media.
Useful guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service includes:
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Never cook inside a tent or campervan unless properly ventilated
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Use battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms
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Keep cooking devices away from sleeping areas
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Store fuel safely and follow manufacturer instructions
Is More Awareness Needed? Experts Say Yes
Despite decades of public health messaging, outdoor carbon monoxide dangers still fly under the radar.
Professor Hugh Montgomery, an intensive care specialist in London, told The Herald last year: “Most people think CO poisoning is a winter problem. But summer camping is now a leading source of accidental deaths related to carbon monoxide.”
He said the key problem is education, not technology. “There are portable detectors, but if people don’t know they need one, they won’t buy it.”
Campaigners say warnings should be printed on stove packaging and included in tent instruction manuals.
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Even social media platforms have been urged to push camping safety reminders during peak season.
Wild Camping and Safety: A Balancing Act in Scenic Scotland
Scotland’s liberal outdoor access laws allow wild camping on most unenclosed land. For many, that freedom is sacred—an essential part of Scotland’s charm and identity.
But with freedom comes responsibility.
Local councils, police, and landowners have long struggled to balance public access with safety and environmental protection. Incidents like this raise fresh questions.
Some argue there should be more signage near popular lochs and camping areas, especially those without mobile signal.
Others say it’s up to individuals to read up before heading out.
But many agree: more can be done.
