Tributes paid to 50-year-old Scot who died in fatal fire at sheltered housing complex

The victim of a fire in a sheltered housing complex was named yesterday.

Christopher Cowie, 50, died in his cottage despite a brave rescue bid by three men who were beaten back by thick smoke.

The blaze was discovered at Redwell Cottages in the close-knit Banffshire village of Whitehills on Saturday.

Firemen fought their way into the home but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Man left 'heartbroken' after failing to rescue neighbour from fatal house fire in Aberdeenshire  

A joint police and fire brigade investigation is under way but there are no suspicious circumstances.

One of Christopher’s friends paid tribute, saying: “He was someone looking to get involved in the community and his heart was in the right place.”