A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man who was stabbed in Thurso yesterday morning.
He was taken into custody soon after the body of the 32-year-old was found in a house in the town’s Holborn Avenue at around 8am.
The man who died has been named locally as Paul Fairweather, a father of three.
It is understood that the two men knew each other, and police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Part of the street was cordoned off as police continued their investigations into the incident.
An ambulance was called but paramedics found no sign of life and a doctor later pronounced Mr Fairweather dead.
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Mr Fairweather had spells of working in a local bakery and a supermarket and as a chef in the Weigh Inn.
A former pupil of Thurso High, he went to North Highland College UHI but his life was dogged by drug problems. He served a number of jail stints for drugs and other offences.
A talented footballer as a youth, he was a very keen Celtic fan.
His uncle George Fairweather yesterday said while his nephew did not have his troubles to seek, he was kind-hearted and well-meaning.
He said: “It’s tragic what happened to him – it’s a terrible waste of a good, young life.”
George’s daughter Brenda added: “When Paul was on drugs, he was told not to come near us. But when we he was clean, you couldn’t meet a nicer lad.”
Detective Inspector Scott Macdonald said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man who has died in this incident.
“Inquiries are ongoing and at an early stage. However, it would appear this is a contained incident with no risk to the wider public.
“There will be a police presence at the scene for some time while we undertake our inquiries and I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out our work.”
Thurso Councillor Matthew Reiss said: “Obviously, from the very little information we have been given, it is clearly a tragedy for all involved.
“I have spoken with several other Thurso councillors and we are all very shaken to hear about this.”
A near neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I wasn’t aware anything was amiss until I saw an ambulance and the cops arrive about eight.
“It’s very sad what’s happened.”
