A Highland aristocrat has been found dead at the foot of cliffs in what a friend described as a “tragic accident”.
The body of Alexander Sutherland – Lord Strathnaver – was found at the bottom of 30ft cliffs near the ruined 19th Century Thurso Castle in Caithness.
Police say his death is being treated as “unexplained”. Thurso Lifeboat was launched at 11.30pm on Saturday after reports of a person on the rocks.
A lifeboat spokesperson said: “The lifeboat quickly made its way to the area and casualty care trained crew members went ashore in the inflatable Y boat.
“They located the casualty and gave CPR and assisted Scottish Ambulance Service and local coastguard deal with the situation until police took control.”
‘A really happy-go-lucky person’
A friend said that Lord Strathnaver, 40, had been attending the Tunes in the Dunes music festival at Dunnet at the weekend.
A keen surfer, he also had a house a few miles away at Thurso East, which is a top UK surfing location.
The friend said: “He was walking with a friend and she was ahead of him. The next she knew he had gone over the cliffs. It was a tragic accident.
“She climbed down to him and gave him CPR. Neither had a mobile phone. She had to climb back up and find a phone and call for help.
“Sadly Al could not be saved. He was such a lovely chap – a really happy go lucky person. He had no airs. I did not know him as Lord Strathnaver – just as Al.
“He was a keen surfer – he used to surf every day and that is why he had a house at Thurso East.
“He also had a little surf shop. It appears he had been at the music festival, had left it and may have been heading back. It is such a tragic loss.”
A police spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a 40-year-old man near to Thurso Castle shortly after 11.20pm on Saturday.
“Emergency services attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Conversation