The grief-stricken families of five people killed in one of the worst north-east crashes in recent memory have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Ted Reid, 63, Evalyn Collie, 69, and Audrey Appleby, 70, were travelling home from a country music night when the 4×4 they were in collided with a minibus full of Italian tourists heading north from Tayside.
Despite the desperate efforts of passers-by, and paramedics, they could not be saved and died at the scene. The driver of the 4×4, Morag Smith, was taken to Dr Gray’s in Elgin. Two people from the minibus – four-year-old Lorenzo Ciociola and 63-year-old Frances Saliba Patane – also died.
Lorenzo’s mother Concetta, 33, remains in a critical condition in hospital. His father, Alfredo, 45, three-year-old brother Federico and a 70-year-old man suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Yesterday, it emerged the group had made the journey from Sicily to Scotland to celebrate Ms Patane’s birthday – which was Thursday, the day of the crash.
Relatives of those killed in the crash, which happened on the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, near Keith, yesterday thanked the emergency services for their response.
And as their communities rallied around to offer support, the heartbroken families also paid tribute to their loved ones.
Ms Collie, from Aberchirder, was well-known both in the village and further afield in Kemnay, where her family run A&G Collie Butchers and the Bennachie Lodge Hotel.
She was also instrumental in helping vulnerable people in the area, running a day care centre on behalf of the Gordon Dementia Services in Inverurie for more than 20 years.
In a statement, her family said: “We wish to pass on our condolences and deepest sympathy to all the families who lost family members in this horrific and tragic incident and hope those injured make a speedy and full recovery.
“We have lost a beautiful lady, we now request that we are given the time and privacy to grieve and come to terms with our tragic loss.”
Mrs Collie was also a line dancing teacher at Bennachie Leisure Centre in Insch, which were attended by Ms Smith.
Staff at the centre posted online: “Evalyn was very popular with her students and will be greatly missed by all at the Bennachie Leisure Centre.
“We pass on our sympathies to her family and friends and to all involved in the incident last week.
“Morag who also attended the classes with Evalyn is currently in hospital and we wish her all the best in her recovery.”
Mr Reid, who grew up in Aberchirder but lived in Macduff, was described by his loved ones as “selfless”.
He served in the army tank corps in Northern Ireland before working as a Stagecoach bus driver, and was an avid follower of Deveronvale Football Club – even driving the team bus for several years.
His family said: “Ted was a devoted husband, dad, granda, brother and friend.
“He will be remembered for his selfless loving nature and will be sorely missed by all.”
Ms Appleby’s family were too upset to release a statement, but last night friends described her as an “amazing lady who had the biggest heart and a depth of compassion that is rarely seen”.
The Aberchirder woman rescued animals, including cockerels, and friends put out an appeal on social media to help rehome them.
Relatives of the Italians, who were from Syracuse, also released a statement after flying into the UK to be at their bedsides.
Malta-born Mrs Patane’s family said: “She was a loving wife and a caring mother and grandmother.
“Frances was also highly respected for the passion and devotion she used in her job as an English teacher.”
And the Ciocola family paid tribute to their “little angel” Lorenzo.
They said: “Although your life has been cut short you have filled our own lives with joy – now you are our little angel in heaven.
“You will be forever close to our hearts and will continue to live on in the fond memory of your mum, dad and little brother Federico.
“We would like to express our thanks to all emergency services and staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for their support.”
Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses and also drivers who may have dashcam footage.
Superintendent Louise Blakelock, the deputy head of road policing, said: “This has been a difficult and distressing time for everyone affected by this tragedy and the sympathy expressed by communities over the past few days has been overwhelming.
“We have learned of countless individuals going above and beyond to provide assistance and comfort to those in need – from acts of bravery and compassion at the scene of the collision to invaluable support in the aftermath. On behalf of Police Scotland and our partners, a sincere thank you.”