David Abbs: Due to have surgery

"He had cuts all down his arms and he couldn't move his arms.

"He is going into surgery and I need to get to France.

"I've been on the phone for four hours trying to get to France but it's all red tape.

"I think it's disgraceful. The authorities should be laying something on for parents who need to be there but I'm having to do it all myself."

Sandra Marshall was called by her mother at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary, where she works, to be told her son James had been involved in the crash.

The 12-year-old was one of the members of the 41st Edinburgh Boys Brigade travelling on the coach.

He woke up upside down in the coach with everybody screaming and glass everywhere

Sandra Marshall

She said: "I was really upset when the telephone call came through.

"James himself actually telephoned to say that he was unhurt. He said the bus overturned while he was asleep.

"He said there was no other vehicle involved but he had his seatbelt on and he woke up upside down in the coach with everybody screaming and glass everywhere.

"He was not crying but he was obviously shaken. My first reaction was to fly straight out there.

"It's distressing to think what the boy's family is going through at the moment."

She added: "Everybody's thoughts are with them at the moment. It was a close company - they were all friends."

Hamish Purves, head teacher of Portobello High School where Craig Norsworthy was a fifth year pupil, said: "This is devastating news and our thoughts are with Craig's family at this time.

"Craig was a fine young man and a very promising student. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him."