The brother of a popular Perthshire farmer who died in a house fire says he has lost his ”best friend”.
Willie Pattullo led emotional tributes to his younger sibling Donald following the tragic incident at Millhaugh Farm, Logiealmond, on Wednesday night.
The 56-year-old was rescued from the burning building, where he had lived since he was born, shortly before 6pm but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
He reportedly told a friend just half an hour before the blaze happened that he was going to set a fire in the living room to ensure the property was warm for his new wife Michelle returning from work.
The couple were married in a quiet ceremony in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, at the end of November last year.
Speaking outside the family farm, Willie told The Courier he and Donald had always worked together as partners of W & D Pattullo. As well as keeping sheep and cattle and tending to crops, they carried out contracting work, such as silage-wrapping.
A kind-hearted ”community-centred” man, Donald was well-liked by all who knew him, Willie (59) said.
He continued: ”We are all so shocked and devastated that this has happened. He was a good man and will be missed greatly. There were only a couple of years between us and we have always spent so much time together since we were young boys.
”Donald has always lived at Millhaugh, our family home, and though I now live a few miles away in Methven we were business partners. I saw him most days. We last got together on Sunday and he was in great spirits.
”He was my best friend there is now a huge gap in my life.”
One of six children, Donald had three brothers, Willie, James and Jonny Jonny recently passed away and two sisters, Catherine and Agnes, who lives in the United States.
Willie visited the scene with his brother’s widow to request permission from the police to tend their flocks.
Friend David Armstrong, who owns nearby South Ardittie Farm, said the close-knit farming community is in mourning.
”I couldn’t believe it when I heard Donald had died in a fire. I’ve known him all his days,” he said. ”He was a kind, friendly chap who would help anyone you just couldn’t fault him. During the heavy snow a year ago he assisted many people who were trapped at all hours.
”Farming was both his job and his hobby it was in his blood. He travelled around Scotland going to markets to judge cattle and purchase some himself.
”He was over at ours recently with Michelle and he was happy as Larry everyone was so pleased to hear that they finally tied the knot.
”My heart goes out to Michelle and all his family he will be very sorely missed.”
Mr Armstrong added that he had waved and smiled at Donald on Wednesday morning, while the 56-year-old was ferrying beaters to a pheasant shoot in the area.
A spokesman for Tayside Fire and Rescue confirmed three appliances from Perth and one from Crieff attended the incident. A command support unit was also mobilised.
Commander Graham Smart was informed that someone was in the building and additional appliances were requested. Six firefighters entered the property and quickly located and removed Mr Pattullo. Paramedics took over but, despite their efforts, Mr Pattullo succumbed to the effects of the fire.
The blaze was contained in the ground floor of the property.
A joint police and fire investigation has been carried out to establish the exact cause. The police made door-to-door inquiries but are appealing for further witnesses to come forward.
Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 5pm and 5.40pm on Wednesday. Information can be passed on by calling 0300 111 2222.