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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Carroll

First picture of boy who died in quad bike crash in Highlands village

A "bright, happy" boy who died in a horror quad bike crash near a village in the Highlands has been pictured by police.

Charlie Morrison, 11, passed away at the scene of the tragedy which unfolded near Durness at around 4.20pm on Tuesday.

The youngster was a pupil at Durness Primary and both the school and nursery were closed on Wednesday while the community came to terms with the sad news.

Donald Morrison, his father's cousin, said the family were heartbroken as he asked friends to pray for the parents.

Donald wrote: "Dear friends... I am conscious this is late, but it is a very "dark night" for a couple in Durness (Sutherland) who lost their only child, Charlie (11) in a quad bike accident late this afternoon.

"His dad is my first cousin. If we are deeply distressed, one cannot begin to imagine the depth of brokenness of heart and unutterable despair of mum and dad. Please remember them together in prayer. Thank you."

Charlie was described as a "bright, happy boy who loved being outdoors" in a moving tribute from his school.

North West Sutherland Schools Head Teacher Mr Graeme Smart said: “The whole North West Sutherland Schools Community is devastated by the tragic news of the death of one of our pupils.

"He was a bright, happy boy who loved being outdoors, had a real love for technology and model making and a curiosity about how things worked.

"He was a much loved and valued part of our school group and the schools are sadder places this morning.

"The whole community is deeply shocked by this terrible accident and our thoughts are with the family at this time."

Local councillor Hugh Morrison said the community was shaken by the news.

Hugh said: "Durness is a very sad place today. No words can express the depth of feeling over this tragedy.

"The family are very well known and liked in the area and their loss will be felt widely.

"There are just no adequate words to bring comfort to them over this.

"Charlie was their own child and attended the local school. It appears a terrible tragic accident and the community is here to support the family as best we can."

Mr Morrison, who represents North, West and Central Sutherland on Highland Council - and also runs the Smoo Cave Hotel - said the community were "shocked".

The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently unclear.

Sergeant Christopher Donaldson from the Road Policing Unit at Dingwall said: “Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Police enquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this crash.”

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