A pensioner killed in a head-on smash on a busy north-east commuter route was last night named by police.
William Duthie was driving north along the A90 Peterhead-Aberdeen road when he was involved in a collision with another car.
It happened just before 7am on Wednesday, just south of Boddam.
Mr Duthie, 66, from Cruden Bay, died at the scene.
Last night, neighbours said his death had left them stunned.
“He was a lovely, kind hearted guy,” said one Cruden Bay resident. “Everyone is just in shock.”
The 48-year-old driver of the other car, a black BMW X1, was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries.
His family was said to be keeping a bedside vigil at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary last night.
Local councillor Stuart Pratt said yesterday: “The thoughts of the community are definitely with the family and friends of both men involved.
“I hope the guy in hospital comes out OK.”
He added: “I don’t think that part of the road is particularly bad. But with all roads, people have to take care especially early in the morning.”
The road was closed and remained shut for several hours while collision investigators tried to establish what went wrong.
It eventually reopened around 1.45pm.
Drivers faced a detour along unclassified country roads via Gask to and from Peterhead.
The road closed at Longhaven to the south and the Buchan Gateway roundabout to the north.
Heavy goods vehicles were diverted at the Toll of Birness along the A952 via Mintlaw.
Nearby Boddam School was closed until 10am to allow pupils and staff time to get to school using the diversions and not because of any connection between the school and the victims.
Police have urged any witnesses to the accident to get in touch.