A 73-year-old Ross-shire woman is the third person to die in crashes on Highland roads this week.
Margaret Macbeath – known as Moira – from Alness was killed in a three vehicle crash on the A9 near Evanton on Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened just after midday when Mrs Macbeath’s Vauxhall Corsa was involved in a collision with a Citroen Picasso and a Toyota Hilux.
Police, the fire service, the air ambulance, and three ambulances including a BASICS doctor who is specially trained in emergency treatment attended the scene.
Sergeant Donnie Mackinnon said: “Our thoughts are very much with Moira’s family and friends at this sad time.
“I would also like to pass on our thanks to everyone who was diverted past the collision for their patience and consideration while officers dealt with this incident.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would ask anyone who has information but has not yet spoken to a police officer to call the Road Policing Unit in Dingwall.”
The road was closed for six hours as recovery and investigation work took place on the main route north leaving traffic at a standstill in the sweltering heat.
Locals in the town as well as at the Foulis Storehouse offered those stuck in the traffic refreshments and the chance to use the toilet.
Wednesday’s crash marked the third fatality in less than a week on roads in the Highlands.
The first came on Monday when an 85-year-old woman, who has not been named, died after her car left the A862 near Beauly around 4.25pm.
Later the same day police confirmed Lachlan Brown, 21, had died after a crash on the Contin to Garve road on Sunday evening.
A spokesman for Brake, the road safety charity, Mike Bristow voiced his concern at “such high numbers of fatal collisions in the Highlands over the past week.”