A popular handyman killed in a horrific head-on car crash was a “diamond of a bloke” always willing to help his friends and family.
Brian Lawrence died when his dark blue Rover 75 collided head-on with a silver Renault Megane on the A98 road between Buckie and Cullen.
His wife, Marian, was a passenger in the car and is being treated for serious injuries at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
The 50-year-old man who was driving the other car is also still recovering in hospital.
Mr Lawrence, from Cullen, was well-known in the area through his work as an electrician, and from volunteering in the local tourist information office.
Last night, the 77-year-old’s only child, Mark, said he was “devastated”.
He added: “My dad was well-known about the area, he was always able to help anyone in need of his electrical skills.
“We are devastated about his death, and would like to thank all the emergency services that tried to save him.”
As well as sharing his electrical expertise with Cullen residents, Mr Lawrence used his local knowledge to welcome visitors to the picturesque seaside community.
He volunteered his time over the summer at the tourist information office in the Square.
His colleague at the centre, Graham Bell, said Mr Lawrence was already there when he started volunteering six years ago, and offered him some handy advice.
Mr Bell added: “Brian will be so sadly missed, he was a diamond of a bloke.”
Keith and Cullen councillor, Ron Shepherd, said Mr Lawrence would be missed by many.
Mr Shepherd said: “I knew Mr Lawrence very well, as did many in Cullen, he was very popular man.
“The main thing I will remember about him is that he was always willing to help people, most often with his electrical skills.
“If anybody was in trouble, Brian would be there.
“He did a power of work in the tourist information office every summer too, and was always ready to speak to people there.”
Mr Shepherd added the grandfather-of-two liked to keep fit and was often seen walking around the scenic coastal spot.
Police investigating the crash have asked anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw either car beforehand, to come forward.
The accident happened at 11.30am on Sunday, on a bend about 160 yards east of the junction leading to Findochty.
The impact of the collision forced Mr Lawrence’s motor off the road and down a verge beside the westbound carriageway.
An air ambulance was called to the scene, and firefighters had to use cutting equipment to free one casualty from their car.
The road remained closed for about eight hours while accident investigators examined the area.