The family of a man found dead in a Highland Perthshire river believe he died in a tragic accident.
Ian Rattray was discovered in the River Tummel on Tuesday night following a search by police, fire crews and Tayside Mountain Rescue.
The 69-year-old is known to have been a keen walker and is thought to have slipped while enjoying the countryside.
Graham Huggins, a close friend of both Mr Rattray and his wife Elizabeth, said his Kia Rio had been found parked at one of his favourite walking spots.
“The car was at Killiecrankie car park,” he said. “Ian was a very keen walker and that was one of his favourite places to walk from, so it doesn’t surprise us that that was where it was found.
“We assume with the muddy conditions that he must have slipped from the banks and fallen into the water. He was quite a strong swimmer but that doesn’t help in a rushing river.”
Mr Huggins worked with Mr Rattray on both the Highland Perthshire Community Partnership and Heartland FM committees.
He paid tribute to a “valued colleague and friend”.
“I first met Ian at the Rotary Club (in Pitlochry) when he was president and we became friends,” he said. “When he left Rotary he became treasurer of two projects I have – the Highland Perthshire Community Partnership and Heartland FM.
“I will miss him both as a valued colleague and a friend.
“He was a very quiet and self-contained person, not particularly ostentatious or outgoing socially but he was very reliable. If he said he’d do something it would get done and it was done very thoroughly.”
Mr and Mrs Rattray retired to the Pitlochry area several years ago having previously lived in East Lothian, when Mr Rattray worked in financial services.
Mr Rattray was a keen golfer and was twice captain of his local East Lothian club, Gifford, before being appointed treasurer at Blair Atholl golf club.
Stuart Griffiths, greenkeeper at Blair Atholl, said Mr Rattray had been a central figure at the club.
“He was integral in keeping the club afloat – we were a small club and were struggling at the time,” he said.
“He was a fantastic guy and everyone at the golf club loved him – I don’t think anyone would have a bad word to say about him.”
