Tributes paid to local road accident victims
TRIBUTES have been paid to two men who were killed in separate crashes in Wester Ross and the Black Isle in the past week.
James Stead (50) died when his Triumph motorcycle and a Ford Fiesta collided on the A835 Ullapool road at the Braemore Junction last Thursday. No one else was injured.
And Graham Short (73) was killed when his grey Ford Focus was involved in a crash with a Mitsubishi Shogun towing a horse box on the A832 between Munlochy and Tore on Saturday morning.
News of Mr Stead’s death sparked a flurry of tributes from the region’s musicians, a number of whom had played alongside the talented guitarist.
Posting on social media, Russell Turner said: "Terrible news. I played in several bands with him and you’d never meet a more genuine guy. My condolences to his family."
Karl Seel added: "Such a great guy, had the honour of playing with Jim. Shocked and shaken to the core. Very sad."
And Scott McRury said: "Such sad news! Spent time in Jim’s company rehearsing as a band called The Deeds when they were just starting out. He was such a genuine guy and such a great laugh. Thoughts are with his family."
Several other people also described Mr Stead, who hailed from Evanton, as a "lovely guy".
Mr Short, meanwhile, was a popular figure among the local golfing community, and is understood to have taken to the fairways on most days.
A resident of Muir of Ord, he was a member of Muir of Ord Golf Club for more than 25 years and is understood to have also been a member of Inverness Golf Club and Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club.
Muir of Ord Golf Club captain Hamish Milne said Mr Short was "very outgoing and friendly" and was "well liked" by club members. He said that news of his death had left the community in shock.
Police investigating the two crashes are still seeking witnesses to the incidents.
The collision which led to the death of Mr Short occurred at around 8.30am on Saturday and also resulted in injuries to the driver of the Mitusbishi. They were treated at Raigmore Hospital but police said they were not seriously hurt.
Anyone who witnessed the collision at the Braemore Junction at 2.35pm last Thursday, or either of the vehicles shortly beforehand, should call police in Dingwall on 101 quoting reference NE4748/18.
Those with information about the crash between Tore and Munlochy on Saturday morning should call the same number quoting reference NE4771/18.
