A MAN who died in a burning shed on a remote Hebridean island has been named as Angus John MacDonald by police.
Mr MacDonald, who lived in a small crofting community near Benbecula, died in the blaze in a large timber shed next to his family home.
A passing police officer raised the alarm after spotting smoke coming from the outbuilding at around 9.20am yesterday (Mon).
Three fire crews battled to stop the fire spreading to the nearby house.
After the fire was extiquished, Mr MacDonald was discovered in a room within the building, which had been gutted by fire.
Despite being treated by ambulance crews he was pronounced dead at the scene.
INVESTIGATION
Fire and police officers are still trying to establish the cause of the blaze.
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “Police are investigating the death of a 54-year-old male who died following an outbuilding fir on Benbecula, Uist.
“Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
In a statement, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said: “Despite the efforts of all agencies, the casualty was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A joint investigation by the fire and police services is under way to determine the cause of the fire.
The self-employed seaweed cutter, nicknamed Panda, had been due to appear on Lochmaddy Sheriff Court in connection with a disturbance at his home.
He leaves behind a wife, Mairead, and two children, both in their 20s.
