A Moray community was in shock last night after an 83-year-old widow was named as the victim of a horrific accident on the A96.
Hazel Mackerness died after being struck by two cars on the Inverness-Nairn stretch of the trunk road.
It is understood she had travelled to the Highland capital earlier in the day and police are still trying to establish why she was walking on the road seven-and-a-half miles from the city.
It is believed she was also marking her birthday on the day she died.
Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac in Forres where she lived alone described her as an “independent lady” who loved to travel.
A family member who answered the door at her home in the town said they still did not know the exact circumstances of her death.
Neighbour Joan Machray said yesterday: “Hazel was an interesting person who travelled a lot, loved flower arranging, and was a member of a local flower club.
“She also had an interest in history, especially local history, and had joined a historical group in Inverness.
“Most of all, she was a very independent lady, and loved nothing better than to go abroad, especially during the winter when the weather was severe.
“She was widowed several years ago, and was known throughout the area as a keen gardener whose garden always looked lovely.”
Another man living nearby said he got caught up in tailbacks after the tragic accident as he drove home from the Ross County v Hibernian football match at Dingwall on Tuesday.
He said: “I never thought for a minute that someone had died and that it was one of our neighbours.”
Police were still investigating the accident yesterday and trying to piece-together Mrs Mackerness’s movements before she started walking on the A96.
A spokesman said: “At 8.26pm on Tuesday, September 23, Police Scotland received a report of a serious road traffic collision on the A96 near Tornagrain, involving two cars and a pedestrian.
“Sadly, as a result of injuries sustained in the collision, the pedestrian died at the scene.
“Inquiries are ongoing into the incident and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
Police have urged witnesses to contact them on 101.