By Mark Mackay

THE MOTHER of a Rattray woman who lost her husband in a tragic river accident has called on the local authority to act compassionately in re-housing her.

Moira Urquhart said her daughter, who has learning difficulties, needed the care and support that could only be offered by being close to her family in Perth.

Colin Ferguson (37) drowned on June 6 as he attempted to rescue the family’s dog Mikey from the River Ericht.

The four-year-old collie had fallen into the water near Cargill’s Leap as the family enjoyed a walk along the banks of the river.

Mikey survived but sadly the devoted husband and father was not so fortunate.

Mrs Urquhart said her grand-daughter Amy (7) had been left without a dad, while her daughter Wendy has been left struggling to cope.

“My son-in-law Colin was a carer and as Wendy has severe difficulty in managing money, he handled all the household finances,” she said.

“Since the accident I have been caring for the family. It has left us all in deep shock.

“My daughter does not wish to return to live in Blairgowrie as she needs support to cope on her own.

“However on top of her loss she has heard that she will not be considered for a house near me.

“She will have to return to Blairgowrie and at the present moment she will be unable to cope. I would care for them in my home but we just don’t have the space.”

A spokesman for the local authority said yesterday, “Perth and Kinross Council has been working closely with the family since they suffered this tragedy, to support them and offer them whatever practical help is available.”

Housing aside, the family has not had its troubles to seek since the strategy, with the freezing of their bank accounts, which were in Mr Ferguson’s name only.

“The past week has been spent in filling in various forms and visiting offices as well as trying to make funeral arrangements,” Mrs Ferguson added. “It is a disgrace that after such a thing happening, when you need time and peace, all you get is hassle.”