The heartbroken family of a 54-year-old man who died in a serious four-vehicle crash on Skye have described him as a “devoted husband, father and friend”.
Ewen Mackay, from the Teangue area, died after his Ford Transit Connect van was involved in the serious collision on the A87 about a mile north of Sligachan Hotel on Wednesday morning.
Mr Mackay’s 16-year-old son was a passenger in the van when the collision occurred, sustaining serious injuries. He was airlifted from the scene by air ambulance and transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for further medical attention.
In a family statement released via Police Scotland yesterday, Mr Mackay’s relatives said: “We are heartbroken that Ewen has been taken from us. He was a devoted husband and father as well as a friend to many.
“As a family we would respectfully ask for privacy at this time.”
A white Audi Q7, a blue Mercedes C-class and a silver Vauxhall van was also involved in the incident.
Police officers, paramedics and firefighters turned out in their droves to help in the rescue efforts.
Three fire appliances from Broadford, Portree and Dunvegan attended the fatal crash scene after receiving the call at 8.50am.
Three ambulances were also in attendance alongside two air ambulances to help transfer any injured casualties for further medical attention.
The main road through Skye remained closed in both directions for several hours as a collision investigation got underway.
Road Policing Sergeant Ewan Calder said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr MacKay’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Our enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this collision are ongoing.
“We are grateful to all who have assisted us so far and would ask anyone with information which has not yet been passed to police makes contact as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man has been charged for drink driving offences after a car ended in a ditch on the A850 on Skye shortly before 2am yesterday morning.
Police received the call at 1.54am and were joined by both paramedics and firefighters at the scene.
The driver sustained no injuries.
A police spokesman said: “A 29-year-old man has been reported in connection with drink driving offences. He is due to appear in court later in August.”