Man dies after helicopter comes down in loch off North Uist

An AS350 Squirrel aircraft, similar to the one that was forced to land in a loch (iStock)

POLICE have confirmed that a man has died following an incident involving a helicopter this morning in the Western Isles.

The 58-year-old was the only occupant of the aircraft, which was forced to ditch into a loch off North Uist.

The man’s next of kin have been informed.

Emergency services were informed of the helicopter coming down into the water in the Loch Scadavay area at around 10:15am.

Chief Inspector Ian Graham, Area Commander for the Western Isles said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the man’s family and the local community at this difficult time.

“Our enquiries into this are ongoing and we are liaising with other agencies, including the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau, in order to establish the full circumstances.

“The A867 between Lochmaddy and Clanach Na Luib has reopened.”