Tributes were last night paid to a retired firemaster who died in a horror road smash on his way back home from playing golf on the Black Isle.
Popular golfer Graham Short, 73, died at the scene of the collision involving his Ford Focus car and a 4×4 Mitusbishi Shogun pick-up, which had been towing a horse box on the A832 near Munlochy.
His wife and family were too upset to comment last night, but Muir of Ord Golf Club Captain Hamish Milne said they were “shocked” to hear of the death of one of their members.
He added: “Graham had been a member of our club for over 25 years.
“He was also known to be a member at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club and a life member of Inverness Golf Club. He was also an active member of the Ross/Sutherland Senior Golf Society.”
He added: “Being an avid golfer, Graham played a number of holes at both Muir of Ord and Fortrose most days of the week and was a keen competitor in the Ross/Sutherland Seniors.
“He was a very friendly and approachable member who always took time for conversation. His presence will be sorely missed and our condolences go to his wife and family.”
Kenny Mackay, former president and captain of the club, said: “He was a nice guy and a very fine golfer.
“He was a retired firemaster. He came up from England and trained sheepdogs – he was very good and efficient at that.
“He was a very outgoing and friendly – he played two courses – Muir of Ord and Fortrose – and he was well liked at both of them.
“He played every day weather permitting.
“We called him “Better than Working” because when we would meet him on the course and ask how he was doing he would say “better than working” so we that’s what we christened him.”
Mr Short was returning home after playing at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club on Saturday.
Club secretary Mike MacDonald said: “It was a shock to hear Graham had died. He was a nice, cheeky chap who golfed every day of the year. I pass our sympathies to his family.”
Police Scotland yesterday confirmed Mr Short, from the Muir of Ord area, had died in the accident.
Sergeant Chris Murray said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Short’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are grateful to the members of the public who have assisted us already.”
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call police on 101.
