Pilot, 81, killed in crash at Scottish Gliding Centre

Emergency services were called to an airfield in Portmoak, Kinross

An 81-year-old pilot has died in a crash at the Scottish Gliding Centre in Kinross.

Emergency services were called to the airfield in Portmoak at about 13:40, where the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Scottish Gliding Centre said he was flying a two-seater single engine light aircraft. He was the only person on board.

The club said it had "no indication" of the cause of the accident. A spokesperson added: "Our thoughts at this stage are with the family of the pilot."

Emergency crews including an ambulance, two special operations response teams, a critical care paramedic and three fire engines were sent to the scene.

Police Scotland said the Air Accidents Investigation Branch had been informed and inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

The Scottish Gliding Centre said it was "co-operating fully with these bodies".

The incident comes after a pilot suffered spinal injuries in November 2023 after his aircraft lost speed and crashed into a hillside near the gliding centre.

In July 2022, a 70-year-old glider pilot and his instructor survived a crash at Portmoak Airfield.