A north community was in mourning last night after a popular young man died in a horrific car crash on the Black Isle.
Angus Plowman was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with serious head injuries after his Volkswagen and a Renault Megane collided.
The 20-year-old, who was known as Gus, died later.
Last night, friends paid tribute to him, describing him as a “car enthusiast” whose death had got 2016 off to “the worst start possible”.
Members of Mr Plowman’s family were too upset to talk about the tragedy at their home in Fortrose yesterday.
But dozens of friends and colleagues of the former Fortrose Academy pupil paid tribute on social media sites.
Mr Plowman – who worked as a driver for Inverness-based Highland Motor Parts – was described by people as the “nicest” man they had met.
One said: “Absolutely heartbreaking news today. RIP Gus. You were such a lovely, genuine guy who will never be forgotten.
“I can’t believe you have been taken at such a young age in such a tragic accident. Life is just so unfair.”
Another friend said: “One of the nicest boys I’ve ever met. Always had a smile on your face and were always making me laugh.
“Going to miss you. Thoughts are with your family, RIP Gus.”
One post read: “Can’t believe what I’m hearing. You’ll be missed by many.”
Monday’s accident happened on the A832 at Rosehaugh, between Avoch and Munlochy.
Police said yesterday that the occupants of the Renault suffered “minor injuries” but did not require hospital treatment.
A report on the crash has been sent to the procurator fiscal.
The incident happened on a straight stretch of the busy route to the west of the village of Avoch and about two-and-a-half miles from the Munlochy junction.
Debris from the collision was strewn across the road, with one of the two cars landing up a grass bank next to a ploughed field.
The other car hit a stone wall running alongside the road.
Road traffic officers from Dingwall spent most of the day studying the crash scene and the vehicles were not recovered until several hours after the accident.
An air ambulance was initially called but was stood down before reaching the scene.
A police spokesman said: “The driver of a black Volkswagen was taken to Raigmore Hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service but sadly died as a result of his injuries sustained in the collision.
“A report regarding the death will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, as is procedure in incidents of this nature.
“The occupants of the other vehicle, a black Renault, received minor injuries as a result of the incident but did not require further treatment.”