David Kerr and Caroline Brodie
A man was seriously injured in a crash near Huntly at the weekend.
A blue Vauxhall Astra VXR and white Vauxhall Corsa VXR collided on the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road near Bainshole, south of Huntly, on Saturday.
Emergency services closed the road for about three hours, and the 21-year-old driver of the blue car was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
His injuries were described as serious, but non life-threatening.
The 23-year-old female driving the other car was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Yesterday, police appealed for witnesses to the crash, which happened at about 10.15am.
The blue car was travelling north and the white one heading south.
Constable Alexander Bowser-Riley said: “I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle on the A96 prior to the incident to contact police on 101.
“I would also like to thank the various members of the public who stopped to offer assistance and help both drivers immediately after the collision.
“Again, if any of these people have not spoken to police, I would ask them to make contact on 101.”
The road was closed for just under three hours while emergency services dealt with the incident.
A spokeswoman for the fire service said they sent two fire engines from Huntly and that the crews used hydraulic cutting equipment to free one casualty.
There were no passengers within either vehicle.
Local councillor Sheena Lonchay said she was aware of the crash but did not believe it had happened at a particular accident blackspot.
The West Garioch member added: “It is like any road – it’s just a combination of circumstances which lead to accidents happening.
“It is just really unfortunate.”