The family of a former-NHS Highland chairwoman killed in a road accident on Tuesday night has paid tribute to the “loving wife, mother and grandmother.”
Caroline Thomson, 63, who lived in Daviot near Inverness, was a passenger in an Audi V8 involved in a collision with a Toyota Auris on the A835 road near Dingwall.
Her husband Allan Thomson, who founded the pioneering Wavegen renewable energy firm in Inverness, was also injured in the crash.
A second man was also injured in the crash which happened at about 10.30pm on Tuesday, near the Maryburgh roundabout.
In a statement issued by police, the family said: “We are so sad to have to announce that Caroline died in a car crash on Tuesday night.
“As well as being a loving wife, mother and grandmother Caroline was someone who devoted herself to serving the Highland community.
“She was particularly well known for her time as a board member and Chair of NHS Highland and in the charitable sector.
“We are heartbroken and we know that many of those whose lives she has touched will miss her deeply.”
Caroline leaves behind her husband Allan, her two sons Alistair and Richard, and three grandchildren.
She was chairwoman of NHS Highland from 1997 to 2004 and was a trained nurse.
The couple were passionate Scottish country dancers and owned a yacht which they sailed around the north coast of Scotland and various parts of Europe.
The current board chairman, David Alston, has paid tribute to Mrs Thomson. He said he was “profoundly saddened” by the news, adding that it was her who had encouraged him to become a member of the NHS Board.
And Inverness South councillor Thomas Prag posted a tribute on social media today which reads: “Terrible news – we all owe Caroline so much.”