Tributes have been paid to a 22-year-old north mechanic with a “bright future” who was killed after crashing during a vehicle testing session.
James Hickey, from Kingussie, died at the scene of the collision at the Grampian Transport Museum’s racetrack at Alford, Aberdeenshire.
Detective Inspector Stewart Drummond, who is leading the investigation, said inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the incident were continuing.
Events due to take place on the circuit, including an AllFord show arranged for this weekend, have been cancelled as a mark of respect.
Mr Hickey’s family were too upset to speak yesterday at their home in Kingussie but his distraught cousin, Kathryn MacAskill, said on social media: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am.
“James was more like a brother to me than a cousin. Devastated.”
Mr Hickey, who had recently got a job as a Highland Council mechanic in Aviemore after finishing his apprenticeship, had hired the circuit for a vehicle testing session.
James MacDonald, Highland Council’s Transport and Logistics manager, said: “We were very shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of James.
“He joined us as a young apprentice and continued with Highland Council on completion of his apprenticeship.
“James was a very capable, willing and diligent member of our team who had a bright future ahead of him. He was very much part of the team that served the local community. He will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends.”
Councillor Bill Lobban said: “It is a terrible loss for the family. The sympathies of everyone at the Highland Council are with his family and friends.”
Grampian Transport Museum curator, Mike Ward, said: “It’s a tragic incident and our staff have had a bad time of it.
“Everyone handled it extremely well in the time before the emergency services arrived, doing what they could until they got there. Our heart goes out to the man and his family, it must be absolutely awful for them.”
Mr Ward also confirmed that the museum had cancelled two upcoming events as a mark of respect to Mr Hickey, but said the facility would reopen.
He added: “We’re not going to run AllFord this weekend or the Grampian Motorcycle Convention next weekend.
“We think it’s too soon after such a tragic loss of life at the same venue, I don’t think the enthusiasm is there.”
Police confirmed that a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
