An 11-year-old boy has been killed in a quad bike accident near his home in Durness.
Charlie Morrison, who has been described as a “bright, happy boy”, died on Tuesday.
It is understood he was making his way between his home and his grandparents’ croft when the tragedy happened just before 4.30pm.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but the youngster could not be saved.
Durness Primary School was shut today as a mark of respect, and to help Charlie’s classmates come to terms with the news.
The rest of the community is also in mourning, describing the accident as a “absolutely devastating.”
Graeme Smart, head teacher of North West Sutherland schools, said: “The whole North West Sutherland schools community is devastated by the tragic news of the death of one of our pupils.
“He was a bright, happy boy who loved being in the outdoors, had a real love for technology and model making and a curiosity about how things worked.
“He was a much loved and valued part of our school group and the schools are sadder places this morning.
“The whole community is deeply shocked by this terrible accident and our thoughts are with the family at this time.”
‘No one can put into words what has happened’
Local councillor Hugh Morrison described Tuesday’s events as “a tragic accident”.
“It’s a rare event for something like this to happen here, but that doesn’t take away from it, it’s a life that has been lost and that’s the important thing,” he said.
“Everybody knows everybody so you can imagine everyone has been affected whether in a slight way or a big way.”
Charlie was an only child, living in what has been described a “remote hamlet”.
Mr Morrison said the community would come together to support his family through this time, adding: “It’s very difficult for them, no words can comprehend what has happened. No matter what you say, it’s difficult.
“People are thinking of the family, that’s all you can do. No one can put into words what has happened, we just have to be there to support them if needed and rally round them, it was a tragic accident.”
Mr Morrison explained it was likely Charlie landed on boulders after being thrown off the bike. The councillor also paid tribute to the emergency services, many of whom knew the youngster personally.
He said: “If he had landed on the grass, it would have probably been a less serious result. It is just terribly unfortunate and very unlucky how he landed and on boulders, which seems to have had fatal consequences.
“Charlie was wearing a helmet and was always very safety conscious.
“I would like to especially pay tribute to all the emergency services who attended – including the fire service, coastguards and ambulance personnel – because many of them would have known Charlie personally. They dealt with this tragedy professionally, but it also deeply affected them personally. It was a difficult day that will live for them for ever.”
Investigation ongoing
A shop owner who is friends with Charlie’s parents said they were “absolutely devastated” by the tragic incident.
Another local added: “As you’d expect the whole community is devastated.”
Sergeant Christopher Donaldson, from the road policing unit at Dingwall said: “Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Police inquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this crash.”
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