A GLASGOW mother whose son drowned in the Caribbean is launching a national support group for relatives who have lost loved ones overseas.

Julie Love's son Colin, 23, died while swimming near the resort of Playa El Agua, Venezuela, in January 2009.

She said she received little support from the authorities at home and abroad after her son, a shop worker, died and was left with many unanswered questions.

MSPs have warned this is a recurring theme.

Since his death, Ms Love, from Maryhill, has also campaigned for an extension of current Fatal Accident Inquiry legislation to cover the deaths of Scots abroad.

Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill has now confirmed the Scottish Government will introduce legislation in the course of this Parliamentary term to lift the current legal bar on holding inquiries for overseas deaths.

A number of other families who have suffered similar tragedies came forward after becoming aware of the Love family case and are hoping to eventually set up a charity.

Ms Love said: "It was so helpful to meet other families who have suffered similar bereavements and to hear their experiences.

"We need to do something to make sure other families do not have to go through what my family and the other families we met at the Parliament have been through.

"I am encouraged the Scottish Government is making the legal changes needed to hold inquiries, although there is no certain date yet.

"I want all the families to feel they have somewhere to turn when they need a shoulder to lean on."

Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has backed her campaign for more support for families whose relatives die abroad.

He said: "Communication with international authorities to make arrangements in the immediate period after such a tragedy rests with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

"A recurring theme from all families present was the ineffectiveness of current Foreign Office services.

"Along with MSP Alex Neil I will be seeking a ministerial level meeting with the Foreign Office to call for a complete overhaul of the way in which it supports these families.

"When a family receives the news every person dreads they are in a state of shock and disbelief.

"It would be good to think if that happened you would have help to get you through.

"Not only is this not the case, some families have suffered unimaginable additional trauma as a result of poor co-operation between the Foreign Office and overseas authorities.

"In the cases brought to my attention there remain numerous unanswered questions about the circumstances of death."

l Ms Love's group does not yet have a name. Contact her at: juliemlove@gmail.com

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk