A motocross biker killed in a horrific car crash has been described as a “popular guy” who will be “sadly missed”.
Iain Mckenzie, who was known as Jock to some of his friends, died in a two-car crash on the B9015 Rothes to Mosstodloch road on Friday.
His passenger, a 27-year-old man, remains in a critical condition at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The accident, involving a blue Subaru Forester and golf Volkswagen Golf, happened near Station Cottage, Orton at about 4.45pm.
Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene, but 24-year-old Mr Mckenzie could not be saved.
Over the weekend, shocked friends and family visited the scene and left poignant tributes at the spot – including a motorcycle boot and helmet as a nod to his love of motocross racing.
And Mr Mckenzie’s cousin last night described him as a “very popular” guy, who was well-known in the north-east motocross circuit – regularly taking part in races at the track in Rhynie.
Mike Grant, who is also chairman of the Aberdeen and District Motocross Club, said: “He was a very, very popular guy and was really nice.
“Nobody would bear him a grudge.
“His whole family were popular in the pits. He was a really good rider as well.”
Yesterday tributes were placed beside the B9015 near to the scene of the crash, including a motorcycle boot and helmet in reference to his pastime.
Flowers and cards had also been left, describing Mr Mckenzie as “an amazing daddy” and “perfect boyfriend,” adding that he will be “sadly missed.”
Friends and family posted tributes on social media, calling him “one of a kind” and an “amazing talent”.
Local councillor Theresa Coull extended her sympathies to Mr Mckenzie’s loved ones, adding: “Our thoughts go out to his family.”
The occupants of the Golf, two men aged 36 and 45, suffered minor injuries.
Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the crash, which happened close to a disused station house.
It is understood that one of the vehicles struck a pylon causing overhead cables to fall onto the rail track which runs parallel to the road.
Scotrail suspended services for several hours until the lines were cleared.
Replacement buses were put on for passengers at stops across the route, between Aberdeen and Inverness.
Sergeant Scott Deans, from the road policing department, said: “Our thoughts at this sad time are with the families of those involved in this collision.
“We have spoken to several witnesses but would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw either vehicle, or a dark coloured Volkswagen Golf around that time.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who saw a black Subaru Forester or a dark coloured Volkswagen Golf being driven on the A95 or the B9103 between Keith and Orton about 4.30pm that day.”