The members of a tight-knit community turned out in their hundreds in tribute to a popular gamekeeper who died in an accident on a Highland estate.
David Taylor, 27, died when he fell from a quad bike while working at Clachbain Farm, Dulnain Bridge, on August 18.
Mr Taylor, known as Wee Davie, came from a well-known and respected gamekeeper family, following both his father and grandfather into the profession.
He and his fiancée, Christie McInnes, who have an 11-month hold son, were due to be married in June next year.
After a private family funeral, the cortege, led by a piper, made its way down the main street in Tomintoul to the local cemetery.
Friends raise thousands of pounds for Highland gamekeeper’s fiancee and son after tragic accident
A 150-strong contingent of gamekeepers wearing traditional tweeds, joined friends, neighbours and members of the community in paying their respects.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg, who was among the group, said: “I am sure seeing so many gamekeepers turning out in their tweeds, as a mark of respect, will have been appreciated by the family.
“The numbers in attendance were a testament to how well Davie was regarded by so many.
“Overall, there still seems to be a sense of shock at what has happened. We can only pass on strength and our wishes and solidarity with the family.”
Among the many other tributes to Mr Taylor came one from Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain, who said: “I have known and respected the Taylor family for many years.
“I cannot believe that this tragic accident has happened. David will be sorely missed by all those that knew him.
“I am humbled to see how many of his friends and indeed the wider community have come together to try to help his family face the future.”
An online fund was set up in Mr Taylor’s memory and by yesterday had raised £132,913 from a target of £10,000, with 738 people making donations.
The GoFundMe memorial fund page described Mr Taylor as “a hard-working gamekeeper with a cheeky sense of humour and a good friend to many.
“From an early age he had set his heart on following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather on the hill and was proving himself a credit to such a well-known and respected keepering family.”
It added: “Nothing can fill the gap left in everyone’s lives by this unbearable tragedy but it will, we hope, allow as many people as possible to show their love and support for the family as they try to come to terms with this utterly tragic loss.”
