A Highland community has been shocked by the death of a Highland businessman in a car crash at the weekend.
Andrew Griffin, 39, died in a collision with a tree a few miles from his home near Kiltarlity.
Police said there was no other vehicle involved.
The accident, involving a white Volkswagen Polo, happened at about 10.35pm on Saturday on the A833 Beauly-Drumnadrochit road.
The route was closed for five hours to allow police to carry out a collision investigation.
Sergeant Chris Murray of the road policing unit said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Griffin’s family and friends at this time.
“Our inquiries are continuing and I would appeal for any witnesses to the collision or who saw the vehicle travelling south from the Dingwall area before the collision who have not already spoken to officers to come forward. Please call police on 101, quoting NN22604, with any information.”
Relatives of Mr Griffin, who spoke to the Press and Journal about plans to open holiday lodges in 2009, were too upset to speak yesterday at their home at nearby Foxhole.
Community leaders offered his loved ones their condolences.
Aird and Loch Ness councillor and council leader Margaret Davidson was deeply saddened by news of Saturday’s tragedy.
She said: “I didn’t know Andrew well but I am shocked to hear of his accident and death.
“It will be a huge blow and grief to his family.
“He was a successful businessman and, like all tourist establishments, will have had a good season. But this will be such a sadness to his staff and the wider community.”
Echoing that, councillor Davidson’s ward colleague Helen Carmichael said: “I’m desperately sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”
And Kiltarlity Community Council chairman Norman Grant added his condolences to his relatives and friends.
“This is really tragic for the family,” he said. “It’s sad for anyone losing their life in an accident.”
A bouquet of flowers has been left at the crash scene, near a bend at Brockie’s Lodge.
