A sheriff has ruled there were no precautions which could have been taken to avoid a tragic crash or the death of a long-serving handyman from a Highland estate owned by transport tycoon Ann Gloag.
Andy Thursby, 76, died following a collision on the A862 Muir of Ord to Conon Bridge road on Hogmanay 2016.
A fatal accident inquiry into the death was carried out before Sheriff Margaret Neilson earlier this year.
In her determination published yesterday, she found: “There are no precautions which had they been taken might have avoided the accident or the death.”
Mr Thursby had worked and lived at Beaufort Castle since the mid-1960s for the Lovat family and continued to serve there after Stagecoach bus company founder Ann Gloag bought the estate in 1995.
He was driving from his home on the estate to Dingwall when the accident happened at around 12.30pm on 31 December, 2016.
It occurred on the A862 about 300 metres north of the Muir of Ord 30 mph limit, near to the entrance to a property called The Dower House.
Sheriff Neilson said: “The cause of the death was multiple injuries secondary to a road traffic collision.”
She added the accident occurred by Mr Thursby crossing into the opposing lane in his Vauxhall Corsa while negotiating a right-hand bend and colliding with a Mini Cooper being driven by 39-year-old store manager Trina Murray.
Sheriff Neilson found: “It is not known why he crossed into the opposing lane. There were no defects in any system of working which contributed to the death.”
The inquiry heard he had no underlying medical condition, or drink or drugs in his system.
Following the accident, Mr Thursby was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness but died later the same night from multiple injuries.
Sheriff Neilson added: “Mr Thursby was clearly a much loved family member and a much valued and respected employee who was considered a friend as well as an employee.
“It was very clear from the evidence that he will be sadly missed by those who knew and worked with him.”
Following the tragedy, Mrs Gloag commented: “Andy was like one of the family and we are all deeply saddened by his death. He was one of life’s characters and was a very loyal and caring man who will be sorely missed by everyone.”
Mr Thursby worked as a joiner and a handyman around the castle and estate, moving to Beauly after a spell working at the aluminium smelter in Fort William. He was well known around the local area as an active member of the local Scout group.
He was also known for helping stage the annual youth variety performance Gang Show at Eden Court.
