A woman killed in a horror smash on the A9 was named as 20-year-old Megan Whitehead from Helmsdale in Sutherland.
Tributes poured in for the young driver, who was the sole occupant of a Nissan Micra when she collided with a silver Volkswagon Golf and a red Alfa Romeo north of Dornoch on Wednesday.
The rush-hour collision occurred around half a mile south of The Mound junction shortly before 8.30am.
As news of her tragic death broke, sympathies began to pour in across social media for a ‘young life taken far too soon.’
Audrey Parsons paid homage to her and the memories they both shared. She said: “Absolutely devastating. So thankful for the memories we made together, I just wish we could make more. Fly high beautiful.”
Meanwhile, Amy Craven, from Inverness said: “R.I.P Megan, can’t believe it. Thoughts are with the family. Taken far too soon, will always remember the good times in college.”
East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGillivray said her death was a “devastating loss” to all who knew her.
He said: “It’s a devastating loss for a young life who had her whole like in front of her. It’s a tragic loss for her whole family; it’s something that must be almost impossible to live with. It brings a tear to the eye.”
The female driver of the Volkswagen received treatment at the scene for non-life threatening injuries; meanwhile, the driver of the Alfa Romeo was uninjured.
The road remained closed for around 9 hours as investigations at the scene got underway. Motorists were faced with a 34 mile diversion heading towards the west coast via Lairg.
Road policing sergeant Alan Henderson said investigations were continuing to “establish the full circumstances of this collision.”
He added: “Megan’s family and friends are at the forefront of our thoughts as these enquiries continue.
“I am grateful to everyone who has assisted our enquiries so far and would continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.”
This includes anyone who may have dashcam footage which could contain anything of note.
He added: “I would also thank everyone who had their travel plans affected by the road closure for their patience and understanding.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.