The family of an oil worker killed in a two-car crash in Aberdeenshire have said they are “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy.
Former fisherman George Wiseman was travelling on the A947 Aberdeen to Banff road when he collided with a black Toyota Avensis just south of Oldmeldrum.
The 49-year-old, of Whitehills, died at the scene.
Tributes for the well-known father-of-two flooded in yesterday, with many in the close-knit community shocked by the news.
Last night Mr Wiseman’s grieving wife Jenny, and children Gavin, 20, and Olivia, 16, said they were still trying to come to terms with their loss.
In a statement, they said they were “absolutely devastated”.
They added: “George worked at sea as a fisherman in Whitehills for years with his father Jamsie, and brother Eric, before latterly moving into the oil industry. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Local councillor John Cox said the whole village was in mourning.
The councillor, who knew the former fisherman, said: “Whitehills is a very tight-knit community, and the whole place is in shock.
“He was very well-known and was a quiet guy. It’s hard to say anything else, but my thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Ross Balharry, chairman of the village’s community council, added that the group would note its condolences at its next meeting.
Online, scores of people left messages of condolences, and shared their memories of Mr Wiseman.
Harold Dawson posted: “Canna believe it. He was a good friend and shipmate, you’ll be sorely missed.”
Pam Van Loon added: “Such happy memories of childhood with the cousins on Boghead farm. As everyone says is true (sic), life is too short.” ??
Mr Wiseman was travelling alone in a silver Mini when the crash happened at about 3.55pm on Tuesday.
The male driver of the Avensis was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
They collided just past the community of Hattoncrook, near Oldmeldrum.
As a result, the A947 was shut for hours while investigators carried out work at the scene.
Two fire appliances, one from Oldmeldrum and one from Inverurie, with 10 firefighters were also in attendance alongside colleagues from the police and ambulance services.
Police are currently appealing for witnesses who may have witnessed the crash.
In recent years, the A947 has become a notorious accident blackspot and is currently the subject of a multimillion pound improvement scheme from the local authority.
Aberdeenshire Council has identified 20 ways to bring the route up to scratch.
They include overtaking lanes, increasing police speed limit enforcement and building bypass roads around some communities in the area.
The most expensive – overhauling the entire A947 into a dual carriageway – would cost about £500million.