The family of an elderly man who died at a treetop adventure course he was visiting as part of a family excursion yesterday appealed to be allowed to "grieve in peace".

James Caldwell, 76, a retired managing director, was at the top of an aerial platform, 40ft above the forest floor, at the Go Ape attraction, near Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire, on Tuesday when he collapsed and died in front of his grandchildren, aged 12 and 14.

Speaking at his home in Prestwick, Ayrshire, yesterday - which is also the registered address of management consultancy firm Caldwell Consultants - a family member said: "We just want to be left alone to grieve in peace. We have nothing more to say."

The exact cause of Mr Caldwell's death remains subject to an investigation. However, it is understood he had suffered health problems in the past.

Environmental health officers from Stirling Council are assisting Central Scotland Police with inquiries into the incident.

The attraction has been closed since Tuesday but will reopen today.

The Stirlingshire facility is one of 17 operated by Go Ape across the UK and its only one in Scotland.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has until next Wednesday to call in or approve controversial plans for a Go Ape attraction in Pollok Country Park which was approved by Glasgow City Council earlier this year.