THE girlfriend of a Helensburgh man has paid tribute to a “funny and witty dad” following his tragic death during a trip to Loch Lomond.

Kirsty McMath, 34, thanked the community for its support after the father of her 10-month old son died last week.

Maninder Singh, 25, is understood to have gone to Ardlui for the day with friends and died after going for a swim to cool down.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Forth Valley were called to the Beinglas area around 2.45pm on Tuesday, May 9 following a report of a concern for a man in the water.

“A 25-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and his death is currently being treated as unexplained, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

Maninder, known to friends as Monu, was born in Jammu in Kashmir state in India. He came to Scotland eight years ago to go to college.

Maninder liked it so much that he stayed and called Helensburgh his home, where he met his girlfriend Kirsty while working in a local shop.

The pair had been in a relationship for two years before celebrating the birth of their little boy, Xyler, who is 10 months old.

Kirsty paid tribute to a “funny and witty” dad.

She said: “Maninder loved his family and friends, his greatest pleasure was being a daddy.

“Maninder also loved Scotland and enjoyed short holidays to Arran, Fort William and the Highlands.

“He said his adopted country reminded him of Kashmir and he loved exploring here.

“He played cricket with the local Helensburgh team and I loved seeing him in his cricket whites – he looked very handsome.”

Ian Chambers, captain at Helensburgh Cricket Club, said: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened to hear of Monu’s passing.

“Monu joined us last season and brought a sense of real fun to the club.

“All our thoughts are with his family at this desperately sad time.”

A family friend has set up a JustGiving page, with the aim of raising £5,000 to send Maninder’s body home to his parents and Kirsty told the Advertiser she was grateful for the generosity so far.

She said: “The page was set up by his friends as they knew it was important to take him home to his parents.

“People have been very generous so far and it is a testament to Maninder that so many people have already given.

“This will allow his own Indian family the chance to say goodbye.

“It is very nice to know that so many people loved him. It has taken a worry away from me and allowed me to make arrangements which otherwise I would have found difficult to cover.”

The JustGiving page reads: “Everyone who knew him is devastated and I’m hoping we can all rally round and do what we need to do, we are raising this money to get Maninder home to his parents in India who he hasn’t seen for eight years. Please help if you can, thank you.”

The page has already raised £4,120 and as well as donating, people have left messages and memories of Maninder.

Jaggi Singh said: “Monu, I still remember the day you landed in Glasgow, naive soul full of ambitions.

“This news is not easy to digest and you will always be remembered in our hearts. RIP Monu.”

Marlyn Rafferty, said: “Rest in peace Maninder taken at a young age Jass and Marlyn.”

Kelly Murray, said: “Can’t believe it so so sad. So glad a had the pleasure of working with you and becoming a good pal. Rip Monu you’ll be sorely missed.”

Stephen and Angela Shearer, said: “Hard to believe your gone. A great man to work alongside you will be sadly missed by all. RIP Maninder.”

Major Singh said: “Can’t find the words to express how sorry I am for the loss of a son.

“My deepest sympathy goes to his mum, dad and family. May you rest in peace.”

Karen Mundie said: “R.I.P Maninder, glad to have had the pleasure of being your friend.”

To donate to the JustGiving page visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/karanveer-singh.