The picturesque town of Auchterarder, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Perthshire, is grappling with news of profound sadness following a tragic accident abroad. Andrew David Kenneth Young, an 82-year-old man with deep roots in the community, has been identified as one of the fatalities in a devastating funicular crash that occurred last week in Lisbon, Portugal. This unexpected loss, reaching all the way from the Iberian Peninsula, has undoubtedly sent ripples of shock and sorrow throughout Perth and Kinross, serving as a poignant reminder of how global tragedies can touch local lives. For many in Auchterarder and wider Perthshire, hearing of someone from their own community involved in such a heartbreaking event brings a unique sense of grief and reflection, prompting thoughts about cherished memories and shared history.
Known affectionately to many as Dave, Mr. Young’s early life was firmly established in Auchterarder, a town renowned for its scenic beauty and community spirit. It was here, within the familiar landscapes of Perthshire, that he spent his formative years. Later in life, in 1980, he embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Holyhead in Anglesey, Wales. There, he forged a distinguished career as a customs officer, a role that would have seen him engaging with a multitude of people and experiences, further enriching his life’s tapestry.
The tragic incident unfolded on the historic Gloria funicular in Lisbon, a charming and iconic mode of transport that is as much a tourist attraction as it is a practical way to navigate the city’s famously steep slopes. With its distinctive bright yellow carriages, the funicular offers breathtaking views and has been a symbol of Lisbon for generations. However, what should have been a picturesque ascent or descent turned catastrophic last week when a critical cable on the route suddenly snapped, leading to the funicular’s uncontrolled derailment.
The scene of the accident was one of immense devastation. One of the funicular’s carriages, having lost control, veered sharply and crashed directly into a building located at a bend in the winding street. The human toll of this unforeseen disaster was heartbreakingly severe: a total of 16 individuals tragically lost their lives. Among these were Mr. Young and two other British nationals, highlighting the international scope of this profound sorrow. Additionally, 21 people sustained injuries, with five reported to be in a serious condition, a testament to the immense force of the impact.
In the wake of this harrowing event, Mr. Young’s grieving family came forward with a deeply personal and moving tribute, offering a poignant insight into the man they knew and loved. In a profoundly touching statement released through North Wales Police, they described him, painting a picture of a life rich with passion, “as a ‘lifelong transport enthusiast’ who found immense joy and relaxation in exploring heritage railway sites across the globe.” This particular aspect of his life, his love for transport, makes his final journey on a funicular all the more tragically ironic for his loved ones.
The family’s own words captured the essence of Dave’s character and their shared comfort amidst such profound loss. “Andrew David Kenneth Young was known to most as Dave,” the statement read. “He was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire. He moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a long career as a customs officer. A lifelong transport enthusiast, in retirement he enjoyed visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world. It is a comfort to his sons, their mother, and his brothers that his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness.” These words underscore the deep affection and pride they held for him.
As the Perth and Kinross community absorbs this news, Dave’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connections that bind people to their roots, no matter how far their lives may take them. While his journey ended far from the rolling landscapes of Perthshire, his origins in Auchterarder ensure that his memory will be held in the collective heart of the local area. The sadness of this event extends beyond just his immediate family, touching many who knew him or who simply feel that communal bond with a fellow Perthshire native. In the coming days, many will undoubtedly take a moment to reflect on Dave’s life and the unexpected way it came to an end, a son of Auchterarder remembered with fondness and sorrow.
Known affectionately to many as Dave, Mr. Young’s early life was firmly established in Auchterarder, a town renowned for its scenic beauty and community spirit. It was here, within the familiar landscapes of Perthshire, that he spent his formative years. Later in life, in 1980, he embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Holyhead in Anglesey, Wales. There, he forged a distinguished career as a customs officer, a role that would have seen him engaging with a multitude of people and experiences, further enriching his life’s tapestry.
The tragic incident unfolded on the historic Gloria funicular in Lisbon, a charming and iconic mode of transport that is as much a tourist attraction as it is a practical way to navigate the city’s famously steep slopes. With its distinctive bright yellow carriages, the funicular offers breathtaking views and has been a symbol of Lisbon for generations. However, what should have been a picturesque ascent or descent turned catastrophic last week when a critical cable on the route suddenly snapped, leading to the funicular’s uncontrolled derailment.
The scene of the accident was one of immense devastation. One of the funicular’s carriages, having lost control, veered sharply and crashed directly into a building located at a bend in the winding street. The human toll of this unforeseen disaster was heartbreakingly severe: a total of 16 individuals tragically lost their lives. Among these were Mr. Young and two other British nationals, highlighting the international scope of this profound sorrow. Additionally, 21 people sustained injuries, with five reported to be in a serious condition, a testament to the immense force of the impact.
In the wake of this harrowing event, Mr. Young’s grieving family came forward with a deeply personal and moving tribute, offering a poignant insight into the man they knew and loved. In a profoundly touching statement released through North Wales Police, they described him, painting a picture of a life rich with passion, “as a ‘lifelong transport enthusiast’ who found immense joy and relaxation in exploring heritage railway sites across the globe.” This particular aspect of his life, his love for transport, makes his final journey on a funicular all the more tragically ironic for his loved ones.
The family’s own words captured the essence of Dave’s character and their shared comfort amidst such profound loss. “Andrew David Kenneth Young was known to most as Dave,” the statement read. “He was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire. He moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a long career as a customs officer. A lifelong transport enthusiast, in retirement he enjoyed visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world. It is a comfort to his sons, their mother, and his brothers that his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness.” These words underscore the deep affection and pride they held for him.
As the Perth and Kinross community absorbs this news, Dave’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connections that bind people to their roots, no matter how far their lives may take them. While his journey ended far from the rolling landscapes of Perthshire, his origins in Auchterarder ensure that his memory will be held in the collective heart of the local area. The sadness of this event extends beyond just his immediate family, touching many who knew him or who simply feel that communal bond with a fellow Perthshire native. In the coming days, many will undoubtedly take a moment to reflect on Dave’s life and the unexpected way it came to an end, a son of Auchterarder remembered with fondness and sorrow.