CRASH PILOT FINDS LOVE WITH VICTIM'S WIDOW

THE widow of a Scots army major killed in a helicopter crash has found new happiness with the pilot.

Philippa Sutherland, 48, has forged a relationship with Paul Arditti, who was at the controls of the chopper when it crashed, killing Mrs Sutherland's husband Neil.

Wealthy dad-of-three Mr Arditti, 52, has split from his wife and spends weekends at Mrs Sutherland's Highland mansion.

Lawyer Mr Arditti was pulled from the burning wreckage of the crash in September last year and tried to rescue close friend Mr Sutherland, but was unable to save him.

Mr Arditti has left his wife Julia, 57, with whom he lived at a multi-million-pound country pile in Surrey, and stays in a flat by the River Thames in London during the week.

At weekends he commutes to Scotland to stay with Mrs Sutherland on her sprawling estate at Kentallen, in a remote corner of Glencoe.

Yesterday Mrs Sutherland declined to discuss the relationship but confirmed that Mr Arditti was a "very dear friend" of her and her teenage daughter Esme.

Retired Army major Mr Sutherland, 68, died when Mr Arditti's helicopter smashed into a hillside and burst into flames. Major Sutherland, who was the only passenger, had just dropped off Esme at her private school in Perthshire when the Robinson R44 aircraft hit trees and exploded less than half-a-mile from their home.

Mr Arditti, who suffered serious injuries, managed to escape the wreckage and tried to save his friend but was beaten back by the flames.

The crash happened in atrocious weather conditions.

Mr and Mrs Sutherland ran a country house hotel on their 800- acre estate overlooking Loch Linnhe. But since the tragedy Mrs Sutherland has stopped the B&B business.

Mrs Sutherland's minister Peter Rice said: "Philippa Sutherland is a tremendous local character and everyone still has enormous respect for her late husband.

"There is still a huge feeling of sadness in the community about what happened.

"The lady is trying to cope with a difficult situation."

He said of Mr Arditti: "They are great friends and I think they have found comfort because he was also a friend of Neil Sutherland."

Major Sutherland served in the Cameron Highlanders and with the Queen's Own Highlanders.

After leaving the Army, he served with the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 17 years before retiring to the Highlands to take over the estate.

Mr Arditti, who is an experienced pilot, is a partner with London legal firm Ince Law where he is an expert in the legal investigation of natural and man-made disasters and fraud.

Mrs Arditti, speaking at her luxury home in Wonersh, Surrey, confirmed that she was no longer with her husband.

"I have barely spoken with Paul," she said.

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