By Graeme Strachan and Harry McLaggan

RUPERT WILSON, the survivor in the Norwegian ski tragedy which claimed the lives of his son Peter and colleague Jim Ross, was a former regimental sergeant major with the TA in Dundee.

Last night his former commanding officer paid tribute and said the thoughts of his one-time colleagues were with Mr Wilson and his wife who have lost their son.

Mr Wilson (47) served under former Lieutenant Colonel Ray Moodie with the 225 Field Ambulance, based at the Dalkeith Road centre in Dundee in the late 1990s.

“He was a good RSM and a good man to have by your side,” said Mr Moodie.

“My heart goes out to him and his wife. Any tragedy like that is bad especially when you lose a son.

“It looks like they’ve got a lot of support around them, which is good, because they are going to need it.”

Mr Wilson led and coached the 225 Field Ambulance’s team to three Nordic skiing events at the “Centum Serpent” Army Medical Services Competition held in Canmore in 1998.

“I know the Hardangervidda is an extremely difficult area, with difficult terrain, which is renowned in folklore because of the Telemark heroes,” said Mr Moodie, the unit’s commanding officer from 1997-2000.

“Rupert was extremely lucky to be saved.”

Other tributes were paid yesterday to the three men.

A spokeswoman for the pharmaceutical firm LifeScan, which makes products for diabetics, where all three worked, said, “Everyone at LifeScan is deeply saddened by the news of the tragedy in Norway.

“Those who work closely with the men have said how excited they were about this trip. Conversation in their work area had been about nothing else over the last few weeks.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the men and with Rupert, who not only has to cope with his injuries, but also with the loss of his son.

Peter’s former head teacher at Glenurquhart High, Gavin MacLean, said, “He was a much-liked, easy- going, generous lad with a tremendous sense of humour. He was committed to his studies and worked hard in school.

“A leading light in school quiz teams and an active supporter of any aspect of school life, Peter could always be relied upon to give freely of his time and good nature.

“He was hugely interested in the environment both locally and globally and was always willing to take part in activities to the best of his ability.

“He supported other young people in many ways, particularly as a leader in Balnain Youth Club and had been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He will be missed by both staff and fellow pupils.”