A man is due in court today in connection with two deaths in Inverness.
Dwayne MacLeay and Gary Mackay died after a disturbance in the Hilton area of Inverness on Thursday night. A woman was injured.
Yesterday, friends and family paid tribute to Mr MacLeay, 28, and 35-year-old Mr Mackay, also known as Chunk.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene at Balloan Road at around 10pm, but the men were pronounced dead at the scene.
A 27-year-old female was also injured.
Police have charged a 23-year-old man in relation to the deaths and the female’s injuries. He is due to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court today.
Both Mr MacLeay and Mr MacKay’s families have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Mr MacLeay’s family said he “was a kind, gentle caring person who would help anybody” who “lived to play his guitar and sing”.
Mr MacKay’s family said they were “shocked by the events” adding: “Gary was a dearly beloved son of Gordon and Linda, a brother of Darren and Alan, uncle and a friend to many.
“Gary was known by the nickname ‘Chunk’ by many and he will be sorely missed by all.
“Gary was a happy and friendly person, his passion was to watch Inverness Caley Thistle, his team who he followed for many years.”
Photographs of both men and floral tributes have been left outside the property where the tragedy happened.
Tiaah-Maria Welsh, a friend of Mr MacLeay, said she was “blessed” to have known him, adding that he was “one in a million” and “a kind soul”.
“For someone who had his own struggles with depression, his mission was to make other people laugh and to see them happy.
“He was a great friend to me and many others.”
She continued: “Losing him has left a hole in my heart.
“Knowing I will never hear his silly laugh again hurts beyond belief.
“It is so tragic that his life has been cut short. He truly was one in million.
“I feel blessed to have had him in part of my life and will be thankful every day for the amazing memories and friendship we shared.”
Alex Strang, a school friend of Mr MacKay from their Inverness Royal Academy days, said: “Chunk was a legend. This is absolutely gutting.
“We would see each other out and about in town and every time we would embrace each other it would just be like the old days.
“He was such a happy guy and truly was one in a million.”
Police have remained on scene over the course of the weekend as officers try to piece together exactly what occurred.
A thorough examination of the surrounding area has been undertaken, with a drone also deployed to assist police inquiries.
