The devastated pals of a tragic young Scot who died in hospital six days after a horror car crash have gathered for a motor-themed tribute.
Mason Mackenzie passed away at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Sunday after being badly hurt in a two car crash on the A7 in the Scottish Borders on December 27.
The 20-year-old’s pals came together in Galashiels, where he lived with his mum Tina, before a convoy of souped-up motors drove through the town.
Sky lanterns were also set off from a car park while some performed ‘doughnuts’ with their vehicles in a deserted car park.
Dozens of heartfelt tributes have poured in online for Mason while more than £5,000 has been raised to help his family.
One friend wrote: “Never thought I would be writing a post like this. You fought til the very end and we’re all proud of you.
“From the first time we properly met when you decided you’d take some taxi out the game at Tesco to the countless “breakdowns”, summer drives and late nights/early mornings.
“I will always remember all the memories we’ve made and you’ll always be in my thoughts. “Till we meet again, love you always pal.”
Another said: “The kindest soul and someone I saw as a little brother. You gained your wings too early wee one.
“I’ll miss the late night recoveries to come save you and the 2am shopping trips to Edinburgh.
“Sitting out until 4am talking absolute rubbish or the fact we could create an argument out of nothing.
“Heartbroken to say the least. Thankyou for all the support and donations made via GoFundMe and from the collection buckets. Unreal turn out last night.
“You should’ve been here last night, hittin popcorn as usual. Love you always Mason.”
A third added: “Mason, I’m truly lost for words on what to say, definitely the hardest goodbye we’ve had to do for a while.
“We didn’t expect to be doing this so soon. But all I can say is you fought so bloody hard and we’re all so proud and love you to pieces.
“You’ll be missed so much by everyone, especially the boys. You really didn’t deserve to go like this. We love you mason. Until we meet again.”
And a fourth said: “Rest easy Mason Mackenzie. You were the nicest lad I’d ever met. You were taken from us far too soon. It was a pleasure to have known you.
“Hope you continue being the legend that you are up there.”
A police investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing with officers keen to speak with any eyewitnesses who have yet to come forward.
The collision involved Mason’s red Seat Ibiza which was travelling south when it crashed into a black Seat Ibiza on the opposite carriageway.
The other driver was checked over by paramedics at the scene but did require hospital treatment.
Sergeant Mark Banner, of Scottish Borders Road Policing, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the deceased’s family at this sad time.
“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and would ask anyone who has not yet come forward with information to get in touch with police.
“We're also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or motorists with dash-cam footage from around the time of the crash.
“Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 3191 of 27 December, 2021.”
To donate to the fundraiser for Mason, please click here.
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