Pilot whose helicopter ditched is identified

A pilot who died after his helicopter ditched in a loch in the Western Isles has been named by police.

Peter Clunas from Newburgh in Aberdeenshire died when the AS350 Squirrel aircraft went down on North Uist on Wednesday.

The 59-year-old’s family released a short statement through Police Scotland yesterday.

In it they said: “We would like to thank emergency services for all their efforts at the scene of the accident.

“Peter was a larger than life character who loved flying. He was a keen cyclist and swimmer. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

He leaves a partner, Angela, and sons Alasdair and Bob from his previous marriage to Jane.

Police said Mr Clunas was the sole occupant of the PDG Aviation-owned helicopter when it came down into the water at Loch Scadavay.