The close-knit community of Kinross has been united in grief following the death of a popular local pensioner.
James Bowie, a former stonemason, was involved in a collision with a bin lorry and killed on the town’s High Street while walking to get his Friday morning paper.
Tayside Police confirmed the incident happened at around 7am outside the main Post Office building.
A member of the public who witnessed the incident contacted the emergency services but Mr Bowie, known as Jimmy, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The High Street was closed to traffic until the early afternoon to allow a full accident investigation to take place.
The 80-year-old, who was profoundly deaf without speech, spent most of his life in Abernethy but moved to the Causeway Court sheltered housing complex in Kinross a couple of years ago.
Kinross-shire councillor Kathleen Baird, who knew Mr Bowie, said she was “deeply saddened” by the tragic news.
She described him as a “kind and talented” individual who was keen to contribute to community life, once painting a large mural in Abernethy’s William Hall.
The Courier spoke to a number of Kinross residents who said he would be remembered for his “happy smile”.
One shopkeeper said: “Though he was deaf and dumb he would always wave and smile when he saw you. He walked to get his paper every morning and used to pop into the shops to buy all his groceries. Despite his age he was a very independent man.
“We are all so shocked and upset that he has lost his life in this way, especially so close to Christmas.”
Another local man said: “We all knew him as Jimmy. He was a great old chap. He was a proper old-fashioned gentleman who would always smile and nod his head.”
Mr Bowie was also known to staff at the Kinross Day Centre, which he often attended for a cup of tea and a cake.
The accident cast a shadow over festive activities scheduled at council-run Causeway Court. Staff and residents were visibly upset and paid their respects.
A council spokesman said: “Perth and Kinross Council staff were saddened to hear of this incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family.
“We will assist fully with any investigation.”
Inspector Emma Bowman, head of road policing in Perth and Kinross, led accident investigation work.
Speaking at the scene, she said: “Accident investigators, scene of crime officers and vehicle examiners from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) have been at the scene to determine what exactly happened.
“It appears the elderly gentleman had been walking on the pavement before the incident. It is always a tragedy when someone loses their life in this way and we owe it to members of the public and the person’s family to carry out a full investigation.”
Ms Bowman appealed for witnesses and said a full report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
The driver of the Binn Skips lorry involved in the collision was uninjured but described as being in a “state of shock”.
Diversions were put in place via Station Road and Swansacre. However, pedestrians were granted access to local shops and businesses.