Devastated friends have paid emotional tributes to a tragic 16-year-old who died in a horror crash on Saturday.
The victim, named locally as Craig Melville, was a back seat passenger in an Audi which ploughed into a wall on the B9176 near Alness in the Scottish Highlands.
Garage worker Craig sadly died a short time later after paramedics tried to save his life, the Daily Record reports.
A 15-year-old girl was rushed to hospital in a critical condition while the 39-year-old driver also required treatment and remains under the care of medical staff.
A 22-year-old female passenger was also injured but has since been released from hospital.
A major accident investigation has been launched by police and the road was closed near the Fyrish Substation to allow for a full probe to take place.
As news of Craig’s tragic death emerged, pals have paid tribute on social media to the ‘most caring person you could meet’.
One loved one wrote: “My boy I love you so much you will forever be with me in my heart am so sorry you went the most horrible way ever.
“You meant so much to everyone, most loved caring person you could meet. You didn’t deserve this at all. I love you with all my heart my angel.”
Another wrote: “Thinking of the entire family. Couldn’t of met a nicer boy. You’ll be missed by so many.”
A third added: “Heartbreaking news. Thoughts go out to Craig’s family. Rest easy wee man. Thinking of you.”
A fourth said: “My heart is breaking for everyone right now. Amazing boy got taken far too soon.”
And finally, another simply wrote: “Forever in our hearts."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have dashcam footage of the blue Audi RS4 before it crashed at around 9.35pm on March 27.
Officers believe it had travelled west on the B817 before turning right onto a road known locally as the Struie Road.
The car appears to have then lost control and collided with a wall near the Fyrish Substation.
Sergeant David Miller said: “We are appealing to any other road users who were in the area around the time of the incident to contact us, did you see blue Audi, did you pass it on the road?
“Any small piece of information could be vital in our enquiries.
“In particular, we would ask motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they could have captured an image which could assist us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4030 of 27 March, 2021
