By Alan Richardson

AMBULANCE CREWS were horrified when they discovered the victim of a fatal accident to which they were summoned earlier this week was one of their own colleagues.

Crews arrived at the crash scene —on the A822 Gilmerton-Dunkeld Road near Amulree—on Wednesday night to find they had been called to treat Crieff ambulance technician Craig Lee Paterson.

Craig (30), of Inchbrakie Drive, was killed when his motorbike was in collision with a Land Rover and horsebox at around 8pm.

He had been an ambulance technician for a short time after a spell as an army medic and was training to become a paramedic.

Yesterday, his wife Claire described him as a good- humoured man who was dedicated to his family and work.

Claire, a staff nurse at Perth Royal Infirmary said, “Craig was a real joker and was always playing pranks of one kind or another on people. He had a great sense of humour. He wasn’t one to follow the crowd and was never frightened to express how he felt.

“He loved life and loved his family. He wanted to be a dad and we were both looking forward to starting a family soon.”

Craig and Claire were married in Perth in May 2005. They first met fleetingly in late 2001 when Claire, then in her final year as a student nurse, saw Craig while she was out on duty with fellow ambulance crewmen. Two years later they met again and became a couple.

Craig was born in Dechmont, West Lothian, the only son of Matilda and Iain. He spent his formative years in the Glenrothes area, where he attended Auchmuty High School and where many if his friends and relatives still reside.

He was also a pupil at Perth Grammar before leaving to work with car dealers Dicksons of Perth.

He then joined the army to train as a medic and his ambition to be involved in the medical care profession developed further when he joined the Scottish Ambulance Service based in Perth, and his next step would have been to become a paramedic.

Golfing, fishing and gardening were among his interests, along with a love of motorbiking.

He is survived by his younger sister Vicki (26). Craig’s family last night requested their privacy be respected at such a difficult time.

As with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing and Tayside Police have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them on 01738 621141.