A popular Highland businessman who died in a tragic accident on the A9 has been described by his family as a “cool dude” and someone who “dedicated his life” to his two sons.
Noel Gilbert died in the early hours of Monday morning during a break at a popular Sutherland caravan park, Grannie’s Heilan Hame.
The 40-year-old, who ran a garage in Dingwall but lived in Inverness, was hit by a van on the main road near Dornoch and was declared dead at the scene.
Mr Gilbert’s funeral will take place next Friday at noon in St Clement’s Church of Scotland in Dingwall and then on to Inverness Crematorium.
A recent death notice for Mr Gilbert read: “Amazing and fabulous and devoted and loving husband to Marie, he dedicated his life to his boys Cash and Zane, who adore him, wonderful and caring son to Fraser and Donella, much loved brother of Drew, treasured grandson of Jean and the late William Gilbert (Ness Motors), and Mary and the late Donald Macleman (Avoch), and Cathy Ferguson, a much loved brother-in-law, uncle and cousin and a brilliant friend to everyone who knew him. The world has lost a cool dude.”
Mr Gilbert, who lived in the city’s Woodgrove Place, was the owner of Gilbert Motors in Dingwall with his wife Marie.
His family are well known in the Ross-shire town and community leaders expressed shock at the news earlier this week.
Among those paying tribute were Dingwall councillor Margaret Paterson who said that Mr Gilbert was “well loved” and highly thought of in the town.
The accident happened near Evelix on the A9 south of Dornoch between the Clashmore and Camore junctions at about 2.30am on Monday.
Motorists were left with a lengthy diversion as specialist road policing officers carried out a thorough investigation at the scene.
All friends are invited to Mr Gilbert’s funeral next Friday and donations, if desired, will go towards Highland Hospice and Highland Skate Parks Association.