Further re the Scottish Sun Editor's account, I can't see how he could have seen if the main rotor was turning or (virtually) stationary from "a few hundred yards away" at night.
You forget, in their minds editors of such publications are second only to The Almighty in their ability to know all, see all, and relate all facts once they have been suitably embellished and embroidered so as to attract more purchasers of their, eventually, kennel floor liners (HSE doesn't like food to be wrapped in newsprint).
Some appear to regard themselves as superior to him.
OAP et al, I'm not a helicopter pilot, in fact I have never even been in a helicopter, I have my PPL(A) and am a member of a Police family. It would appear that whatever happened was sudden and catastrophic and leaves a large, empty space in your community which is very sad. \my thoughts are with all of you.