TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Haddington man who died following a tragic accident while out walking.

Ian Rattray was discovered in the River Tummel, near Pitlochry, earlier this month after a search by emergency services.

The 69-year-old, who was a keen walker, is believed to have slipped while out in the countryside, suffered a head injury, and fallen into the water.

Wife Liz paid tribute to Ian, whom she married in 1971.

She said: “He was the kindest, gentlest, quiet person but he had a sense of humour – any excuse to tell a joke.

“We both love jokes and we were always ‘it’s my turn, let me tell it’, but he was a source of funny stories and jokes.”

The couple, who moved from the county 11 years ago, had two children – Duncan, who sadly passed away seven years ago, and Douglas – and have two grandsons, Jack and Sam.

Mrs Rattray added: “He totally doted on them and they adored their papa.”

Mr Rattray, who worked in financial services before retiring, had been a member of Gifford Golf Club, where he was twice captain, as well as Haddington RFC and the Rotary Club of Haddington. Since moving from the area, he had become involved with the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership, Heartland FM, Pitlochry Rotary Club and Blair Atholl Golf Club.

A private cremation is followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at St Mary’s Parish Church, Haddington, next Friday (October 20) at 2.30pm, with all friends and family welcome.

Keith Wallace, vice-president of Haddington RFC, paid tribute to Mr Rattray, who previously lived on Haddington’s Fairway before moving to Craigower Cottage, near Gifford.

He said: “At Haddington RFC he is perhaps most fondly remembered for his financial shrewdness, which saw him as one of the architects who invested the 4th XV Paris 1985 tour fund in the BT privatisation share offer.

“Doubling the fund overnight, he won many lifetime friends and admirers in what is still regarded by many as the club’s greatest ever tour.”

Ian Samson, former president of Haddington’s Rotary Club, said: “He was a very good Rotarian. He was in the club for a good number of years and he was a great chap to know.

“He will be sadly missed down here.”

George Milne, a member of Gifford Golf Club, said: “He was a wonderful person. He was a very quiet, unassuming, caring person and he was always doing things for other people.”