A pensioner who was airlifted to hospital after being found in the water off a Black Isle campsite has died.
Police confirmed yesterday that Peter Jones, from Fortrose, died at Raigmore Hospital after the rescue on Monday.
The 73-year-old was believed to have been using a dinghy to reach his yacht at Fortrose Harbour when he fell into the water.
He was spotted by a member of the public in the water close to the shore at Fortrose campsite.
North Kessock Lifeboat was launched, with a spokesman saying that the crew saw Mr Jones in shallow water, before three members took him ashore and began first aid.
An ambulance also attended the scene, as well as the coastguard rescue helicopter, which airlifted Mr Jones to Raigmore.
He had joined Chanonry Sailing Club at Fortrose last year.
Last night, sailing club Commodore Michael Wilson paid tribute.
“I met him for the first time at our open day recently,” he said.
“He was a charming chap. I spoke to him for a long time.
“He had a lot of experience and a healthy respect for the sea.
“He had only recently bought the boat he had now, and it was at the marina.
“We would pass on our condolences to his wife who he lived with in Fortrose. He will be a great loss to the club.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 9.20am on Monday, emergency services were alerted to a man in the water at Fortrose Bay, on the Black Isle.
“Scottish Ambulance Service and coastguard attended the scene and airlifted the man to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, where he sadly died.
“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
