Dozens of cyclists led a procession through Moray yesterday in a final farewell to a 16-year-old mountain biking fanatic.
The touching tribute was in honour of Keiran McKandie – who was consumed by his passion for the sport.
His family said the teenager “lived, breathed, slept and dreamt about downhill mountain biking”.
The Elgin Academy pupil died after being hit by a car while cycling a mountain route with a group of friends near his home at Miltonduff.
His devastated pals donned helmets and cycling gear to lead Keiran’s funeral cortege yesterday.
A humanist ceremony was held in Elgin Town Hall – to accommodate an anticipated huge number of mourners – and about 500 people attended to pay their final respects to the popular teenager.
Many were in tears as they were shown an emotional video capturing some of Keiran’s finest moments on his beloved mountain bike, which his friends had made for the occasion.
The funeral cortege then travelled under police escort to the McKandie family home in Miltonduff, where it was met by 25 cyclists on bicycles similar to Keiran’s.
They led the procession to the nearby Pluscarden churchyard where he was buried.
A sticker bearing the slogan “I Ride 4 Keiran” could be seen on the hearse carrying the teenager’s coffin.
Keiran was involved in a collision with a white Volkswagen on the B9010 Dallas to Kellas road near Craigend.
Passersby tried to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His parents, Gordon and Sandra, described him as a “beautiful son” in an emotional tribute.
They said: “Our darling beautiful son, Keiran Gordon McKandie, was the love of our lives and the reason for living.
“He was our only child, a devoted grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Always, forever in our hearts and he will never leave us.
“Keiran lived, breathed, slept and dreamt downhill mountain biking – it was his world.
“Even while he was eating his breakfast, he would be searching for biking videos on the internet.
“He loved all his biking buddies and shredding the tracks, and he was at his happiest when he was biking.”
A number of floral tributes were laid by the side of the road where the youngster died.
A white K was attached to a tree, while bouquets and candles were placed underneath its branches.
Some of his closest friends later went to the scene and lay on the ground in a formation which spelled out Keiran’s name.
One heartbreaking message left at the scene read: “Still don’t believe it’s true that my friend from down the lane is really gone. You will be missed always, Sam.”
Another said: “RIP Keiran, sleep tight. You were a great guy and an amazing friend. You were taken far too young and too quick. Thoughts are with family and close friends.”