TRIBUTES have been paid to Carluke man Denis McKenna, who died on Thursday night following a fire at his home.
Mr McKenna, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene as flames engulfed his single storey bungalow in Kirk Road.
Fire crews from both Carluke and Lanark Fire Stations were quickly at the scene; however it was too late to save Mr McKenna.
Specialist officers from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are now carrying out a joint investigation with the police into the cause of the blaze.
Tributes have been coming in for Mr McKenna with none more heartfelt than from his younger brother Charlie.
He said: "Denis loved to help other people and was generous with his time.
"He had a zest for life and was determined to live it to the full.
"He tried his best not to let his disability hold him back.
"He had a hard life but rarely complained and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.
"He was a great brother and a loyal friend.
"Right now it's difficult to imagine life without him.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named said: "He was a very caring person.
"This is just a very sad loss.
"He also did not let his disability get in the way of his enjoyment in life.''
She had been unaware of the tragedy, until after the arrival of fire-fighters.
"Apparently there was an explosion but I didn't hear anything,'' she said.
"It's just very sad."
Denis was born in Carluke on March 28 1953.
When he was three his family moved to Kendal in Cumbria and it was during this time that doctors diagnosed him as suffering from a degenerative disease. In 1960 his family returned to Scotland, living in Ayr, and Denis attended St John's Primary and Queen Margaret Academy until his illness forced him to leave school at the end of third year.
However this did not stop him from completing his education and after completing his Highers at home he went onto Bell College in Hamilton and passed an HND course in Computing.
He was also close to completing an Honours Degree in European Studies at the Open University.
He returned to Carluke when he was 19 and got his first job as a computer programmer six years later.
Denis later took a job working closer to home at the Blood Transfusion Service at Law Hospital, then retired in 1996.
He was also a keen photographer and had a taste for rock music with the Jam and Bruce Springsteen among his favourites.
However he was most at home spending time with his family and friends.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named said: "Denis was such a nice man, a real gentleman.
"It is so sad this has happened.
"I can't believe it."
In a statement police have said initial enquiries are continuing; however it would appear there is no suspicious circumstances.
A report has now been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Denis is survived by his brother, Charlie, sister in law, Christine and their children, Carolyn, John and Laurie.