TRIBUTES have been paid to a Largs Academy pupil who passed away this week aged just 15.

The teenager, who we have decided not to name, died after being taken to hospital from his family home in Fairlie.

The News was told that police were informed yesterday that the boy had tragically lost his fight for life.

The tragedy has left staff and pupils in a state of shock.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "We can confirm a teenage boy has died after being admitted to Crosshouse Hospital on Sunday.

"Emergency services attended at an address in Keppenburn Avenue in Fairlie around 5pm on Sunday night and the youth was taken to hospital.

"On Tuesday, police were advised the teenager had died.

"Enquiries are ongoing and a post mortem examination will be carried out in due course to ascertain the cause of death.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious."

The Largs Academy Parent Council said today its members were devastated by the loss.

They added: "Along with the rest of the school and wider community, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of a Largs Academy student. Our thoughts are with their family and all their friends."

In a letter to parents, Academy head teacher Heather Burns said: "It is with great sadness that we are contacting you to advise you of the unexpected death of one of our pupils.

"Such an event has a big impact on our whole school community and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

"Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to be responsive to the needs of our young people and their families at this time."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said everyone at the local authority was 'devastated' by the tragedy.

They added: “We are devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our young people and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We will continue to do everything possible to support the wellbeing of our pupils and would encourage them to talk to their parents or carers or seek the support of the pastoral support team or school counsellors if they have any questions or any concerns."

The school's leadership team met with all pupils and staff to offer care and there will be ongoing support from teachers, pastoral care staff, pupil support staff, school chaplains, the school counsellor, the campus police officer and educational psychologist.

Over the Easter break, the school will remain open and there will be Easter school classes running, with school chaplains offering a drop-in from 10am till noon each day in the school conference room.

Largs Academy recently launched its pioneering Clearer Minds project after the sad passing of a teenager last year.

The initiative, set up by pupil Corrie Shepherd, uses special assemblies, videos, comic book workshops and a mental health ambassadors programme to provide vital emotional support to teens struggling with their mental health.

North Ayrshire Council have earmarked £30,000 of funding for the scheme.