Man in court after fatal blaze at Perth block of flats.

A man has appeared in court following a fatal blaze at a Perth block of flats.

James Hughes, who was arrested by police investigating the death of Thomas McLeish at St Catherine’s Square, faces an allegation of wilful fireraising.

Glaswegian Mr McLeish died in the blaze on Sunday night.

Hughes, 36, appeared on petition at Perth Sheriff Court accused of causing “excessive damage” to the ground-floor property.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody. He is due to make a follow-up appearance in court next week.

It is understood Mr McLeish had been staying with a friend at the time of the fire.

Emergency services were called to the block just before 10pm on Sunday.

Residents reported thick plumes of smoke billowing from a groundfloor window.

Mr McLeish, 45, was pulled from the burning building, but died as paramedics attempted to revive him.

Stunned residents at the tenement paid tribute by placing heart-shaped balloons at the scene.

Part of the complex, which was visibly smoke-damaged, remained sealed off by police.

Mr McLeish, known to friends as Tucker, moved to Perth several years ago. He had been homeless for some time and was known to beg on High Street.

One pal described Mr McLeish as a “decent guy” who was “really trying to turn his life around”.

At the height of Sunday night’s incident, there were four fire service vehicles, two ambulances and five police cars.

Surrounding flats were evacuated as a precaution.

A Police Scotland spokesman said inquiries were ongoing.

James Hughes made no plea.