A woman who died in a horrific car crash at the weekend has been named by police as 57 year old Jamesina Stewart from Elgin.
The mother of two was pronounced dead at the scene of the smash which happened on the A90 Aberdeen-Fraserburgh route around 2pm on Saturday.
In a statement released to the media through police, her family said: “Jamesina Stewart, also known as Ina, was a loving Daughter, Mum and Granny who had been on a day out with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren as a pre-Mother’s day visit.
“We are heartbroken and devastated that such a dedicated mum and loving person could be taken from us in such sudden and tragic circumstances.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the public who provided assistance at the scene of the accident, and are extremely grateful to the paramedics and fire service for all their efforts.
“In particular we would like to thank Police Scotland for their professional and sensitive approach in dealing with matters.
“We would request that the media respects the privacy of our family at this time and that police are allowed to continue with their inquiries.”
The collision happened at 1.50pm to the north of Ellon towards the Toll of Birness junction and involved a Vauxhall Meriva and a black Renault Megane.
Sergeant Neil Morrison of Road Policing said: “Our thoughts are with Ina’s family at this very difficult time. I would also like to express my thanks to those motorists who stopped at the scene offering assistance and First Aid.
“While our inquiries are continuing, I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision and who has yet to come forward to telephone 101 as soon as possible.”
Another five people were rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious injuries following the crash.
Police, ambulances and fire and rescue services crews were called to the scene.
Since the crash local councillors have said that the popular stretch of road was in urgent need of an upgrade.
Ellon and District member Gillian Owen – who is fighting to have the A90 dualled all the way to Peterhead and Fraserburgh – said the stretch of road near the Toll of Birness was one of the worst sections of the route.
Conservative councillor Mrs Owen said: “It is sad for the families. When someone dies the trauma is just spread. It is life-changing.
“We go along it all the time, the road is not good, the road surface is poor, there are potholes. It is in a state, it does need looking at.
“I suppose whatever is going to be done about the A90, the Toll of Birness will be one of the things they sort out. The junction there passed its sell-by date 20 years ago.
“We shouldn’t have to wait for people to die on this road before something is done about it. I am not saying dualling it all will stop accidents, but at the same time it will help.”