A teenager killed when a car went out of control and hit a tree was described last night as a “larger then life character” who was always smiling.
Farm worker William Sangster was a passenger in a red Ford Fiesta which crashed on the outskirts of Buchan’s biggest village.
His 17-year-old sister Nicole, the 17-year-old driver of the car and two other passengers were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after the accident at Mintlaw.
Their injuries were not life-threatening.
Nineteen-year-old William was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at the village’s Station Road.
The Fiesta was in a 60mph zone on the A950 New Pitsligo-Peterhead road when the smash happened.
Last night, William’s family issued a joint statement paying tribute to him.
He is survived by his mother Tracey Marshall, father Philip Sangster and his wife Sarah, stepdad Paul Marshall, who is understood to be an oil worker based in Aberdeen and Denmark, sister Nicole and six-year-old brother Lewis.
They said the former of Crimond Primary School and Peterhead Academy pupil had farming “in his blood”.
They added: “He loved it, it was what he lived for. He was brought up in a farming environment and always adored tractors from a young age.
“He bought his own Grey Fergie tractor, which had been his pride and joy.
“William came from a big extended family and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
“He was well known as a larger than life character and always had a big smile on his face. He was very close to his sister, they did everything together.
“You would just always hear him laughing, he was popular with everyone, had lots of friends and was a devoted partner to his girlfriend.”
William also studied at Banff and Buchan College, which is now part of North East Scotland College.
Flowers and tributes have been left at the crash site, and one handwritten note attached to an advent calendar read: “Out of all the people in the world, I was lucky enough to have you.
“Your smile could light up any room and your laugh, well, it was something else.
“You were always there for everyone and never said no. You will be dearly missed by so many of us. Memories with you will live on forever.”
The crash happened around 8.50pm on Saturday.
Police have urged witnesses to contact them on 101.