The family of a Moray man killed in a horrific car crash said last night he had a “heart of gold”.
Iain MacDonald died when the Mini he was driving collided with a truck and burst into flames on the B9016 Buckie-Keith road.
The 29-year-old, who lived in the Buckpool area of Buckie, was described by pals as “cheeky” and “kind hearted”.
In a statement issued yesterday, his mother Rhona and stepfather Gavin Lewis said: “Iain was a much loved family member with a heart of gold. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Mr MacDonald was driving a grey Mini Cooper S convertible when it collided with a Man recovery lorry about two miles north of Aultmore.
Both vehicles caught fire after the impact.
It is understood that Mr MacDonald looked after two teenage stepsons with his fiancee Christine Patient, who owned the Mini involved in Tuesday’s crash.
It believed he moved to the area as a teenager and that he worked locally.
The happened about 200 yards north of the Mulben turnoff.
Shortly before the accident there had been a heavy thunderstorm – although it is not yet known whether the wet road was a factor in the crash.
Friends paid tribute to Mr MacDonald on social networking sites yesterday.
One described him as a “beautiful, cheeky, kind hearted lad”.
Another carried the simple message: “Forever in our hearts.”
George MacDonald, who is one of the three representatives for the Buckie ward on Moray Council described, the crash as a “tragedy”.
Mr MacDonald – who is no relation – said there was “great sadness” in the Buckie area.
He said: “It’s a tragedy that someone so young has passed away in such circumstances.
“I’ve been told by people who knew him that Iain was a very popular and engaging character who made friends very easily.
“The thoughts of everyone are with his family at the moment and will continue to be.”
The stretch of road where the accident happened finally reopened last night, having being shut since shortly after 4pm on Tuesday.
The B9016 is notorious black for crashes, and has one of the highest accident rates in Moray.
The rural route’s many twists and turns have contributed to an average number of 9.7 crashes annually in recent years.
Police are still urging members of the public who can help with their investigation to contact them.
They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who saw either of the vehicles shortly before the accident.