Tributes have poured in for a much-loved member of the Perth community, who fed the homeless at Christmas, following his sudden death at a city centre pub.
Alan Sams, 58, was in The Tavern bar on South Street when emergency services were called to his aid shortly after 5pm on Thursday.
It’s understood staff members at the pub tried to resuscitate Alan by performing CPR but they were unable to save his life.
A well-known face around Perth, Alan was the former owner of Al Frescos coffee shop on Scott Street and was a keen boxer.
He was known to open his former coffee shop on Christmas Day, hosting a free party for anyone who would be spending the festive period alone, without a home or without a meal.
His sister Tina Sutherland, who lives in England, led the tributes to her late brother.
She said: “My heart is broken. Alan Sams, my brother, my rock how can I be without you? The funniest man who I loved so much.”
Alan, who moved to Scone from Perth, held his charitable Christmas dinner at Al Frescos in 2017 after being involved in a car accident the year before over the holiday period.
Speaking after the festivities, he said: “I was taken to hospital and I had to spend Christmas by myself, which was horrible.
“I shouldn’t have come through, and they say everybody gets one chance like this, so I’m really grateful.
“I didn’t want anybody in Perth to spend Christmas by themselves.”
Friends reacted with shock at popular Englishman’s passing and said they hoped he would be “flying high” with his beloved dog Stitch who died just over a year ago.
Rachel Scott said: “Was a pleasure to get to know you from the first random visit to the cafe to helping you feed the homeless.
“You will be missed by many can just see Stitch running beside you now, not behind you, wherever you both are.”
Long-time friend Wendy Austin said: “Alan you’ve always been in my life since we were kids.
“You were always there, that funny smile, the laughs we had.
“You were something else. There can only ever be one of you my friend. Miss you.”
Respects were also paid by The Body Shop where Alan used to train.
Vicky McCann, who works at the gym, said: “Devastating news, so sad. Great guy, got time for everyone.”
Emergency services rushed to treat Alan shortly after 5pm on Thursday when he fell ill at the popular Perth pub but were unable to revive him.
Police officers confirmed they were involved on the night but were not treating the death as suspicious.
Police Scotland said: “We attended a report of a sudden death. The report came in around 5.15pm at The Tavern pub.”
