A hero who helped in the emergency response to the Clutha helicopter tragedy has died of coronavirus.
Stuart Ballantyne, 60, searched the wrecked pub with rescue dogs after a police helicopter crashed through the roof of the bar in Glasgow in November 2013, killing three crew and seven customers.
The dedicated rescuer helped found the Trossachs Search and Rescue 22 years ago, and was working with them when he scoured the scene of the tragedy looking for survivors.
The grandfather-of-two, from Falkirk, died on Monday, from coronavirus.
Clutha landlord Alan Crossan said: “He came in with the dogs to search for survivors in the aftermath.
“Stuart would always come down to the Clutha with the dogs for different presentations and on the anniversary of the crash. He was a really nice man.”
Gregg Marshall, a colleague of Mr Ballantyne at Trossachs Search and Rescue, said: “I think the whole team would be happy for me to say that he will be sadly missed.
“Stuart played a huge part in the formation of the team in 1998 and has remained a team member throughout, having served in many roles including chairman, secretary and callout organiser, and had numerous search dogs throughout his time.
“Stuart was not only a team member he was a colleague, friend, mentor and often thought of as part of everyone’s family. We are completely saddened by his loss.”
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