The heartbroken brother of a man killed in an Aberdeen flat fire has said his life will be “more empty” without him.
Charles MacDonald died in hospital after a blaze broke out in his ground-floor flat on the city’s King’s Crescent.
Firefighters raced to the scene at about 5.40am on Monday and pulled the unconscious 41-year-old from the burning building.
He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but police yesterday confirmed he had later died from his injuries.
An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the tragedy, but police and fire officers have said it is not thought to be suspicious.
It is understood the proud dad was originally from Stornoway, but later moved to Moray where he attended Elgin High School before eventually starting a life in the Granite City.
Last night Mr MacDonald’s loved ones said they were “heartbroken” as they led the tributes to him on social media.
His brother, Alexander, said: “I’m in bits. This kind of hurt sinks in to you like nothing I’ve ever felt.
“I love you brother, I will never forget all the times you helped me get into some very funny trouble. I will always think of you, my life is now that more empty without you.”
And Roxanna Brann added: “I can’t get over the news I have heard today. Heartbroken isn’t the word for what I am.”
And a friend of Mr MacDonald, Rachel Canavan, wrote: “I’m so sorry. I knew Charlie well and thought he was a top guy. I’m gutted.”
Three fire crews were called to the scene on Monday, and evacuated locals from the neighbouring flats as they battled they flames.
After pulling Mr MacDonald from the building, they attempted to give him CPR until the ambulance arrived a few minutes later.
Yesterday, the flat was boarded up and the smell of smoke still filled the hallway.
Neighbours said the incident had been a huge “shock” to the Old Aberdeen community.
Daniel Muir said: “I’ve lived here nine years and there have been about eight fires here.
“It’s a real worry especially since I have a young daughter.
“It’s a tragedy.”
Ross McKenzie, 24, said: “I woke up to the noise and saw the firemen putting it out with a huge hose.
“It was a shock.”
Local councillor Michael Hutchison added: “This is obviously a tragic incident and it’s sad to hear that someone has lost their life.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends and this time. I understand an investigation is under way and I’m sure any lessons that can be learned on how to prevent a repeat of this will be revealed.”
A fire service spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 5.41am on Monday, December 5 to reports of a house fire at King’s Crescent, Aberdeen.
“We immediately mobilised three appliances to the scene, two from Central and one from North Anderson Drive.
“Firefighters dressed in protective breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using powerful water jets.
“An unconscious male was removed from the property and received CPR while awaiting arrival of the ambulance at 5.55am.
“It was a block of flats with three floors. The fire was on the ground floor.
“Crews evacuated people from the neighbouring properties and continued to ventilate before cutting away.
“A joint fire and police investigation has been carried out and there are no suspicious circumstances.”
A police spokeswoman added: “We can confirm that a 41-year-old man has died in hospital following a fire within a flat at King’s Crescent, Aberdeen, at around 5.45am on Monday.
“His next of kin have been informed and as with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
