Newlywed the suspected victim of Perthshire farmhouse fire
A 56-year-old man has died in a ferocious blaze at his Perthshire farmhouse.
Firefighters and police at the scene of the fire on Wednesday evening.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 12.01.12
- Published online : 12.01.12 @ 11.28am
The emergency services were called to Millhaugh Farm, near Glenalmond, at around 5.40pm on Wednesday after reports of a fire at the rear of the building.
Shocked neighbours said the property belonged to well-known arable farmer Donald Pattullo and his new wife Michelle. The couple were married just a month ago.
Born and bred in the area to a farming family, Mr Pattullo reportedly lived at the address most of his life. Police were unable to confirm the victim's identity as efforts were ongoing to notify next of kin.
Fire crews from Perth and Crieff raced to the two-storey house — which is reached down a single-track road — with Tayside Police and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly gained access and rescued the casualty from the ground floor but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man had been alone at the time of the incident.
Perth station manager Graham Smart, who was on the scene, confirmed it took just under an hour for the flames to be completely extinguished. The area was cordoned off and road diversions put in place.
Inspector Iain Main said there will be a joint investigation by the police and the fire service.
Door-to-door inquiries were carried out and, although there are no apparent suspicious circumstances, officers are keen to hear from anyone in or near the vicinity between 5pm and 5.30pm.
Information can be passed on by calling the force on 0300 111 2222 or by speaking to any officer. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, as with any unexplained death.
Photo © Phil Hannah
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