Minute’s silence for teenage shinty players killed in crash

A minute’s silence has been held for three teenage friends who died in a crash on a Highland road late on Thursday night.

Fort William Shinty Club (FWSC) has named two of the teenagers as Fergus Ward and Lewis Knox, and said that they were both regular first team members and strong family connections with the club.

The club decided to hold a minute’s silence before both its first and second teams’ games on Saturday afternoon.

Fergus and Lewis died, along with a friend, named by FWSC as Jordan, in a single-vehicle crash on the A830 near Arisaig.

FWSC said the local community had lost three young men, and said its “deepest heartfelt” condolences went out to their families.

The club said: “Fergus Ward and Lewis Knox were both regular members of FWSC, developing right through the youth ranks and were an integral part of the current under-17s squad.

“Both boys have deep family connections to the club.

“The boys will be greatly missed by their families, friends and the wider community.”

FWSC said after much consideration it was decided that the best way to honour the teenagers was to come together and play Saturday’s scheduled games.

It added: “We hope that we can do their memory proud and honour them on the shinty field.”

Shinty’s governing body, the Camanachd Association, said its condolences were with FWSC and the sport’s wider community.

Lochaber Camanachd Club’s under-14 held a minute’s silence before a game in Beauly on Friday night.

Fort William Football Club said a similar tribute would be held before its match on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the crash at about 23:15 on Thursday.

It happened on a stretch of road near the Borrodale House hotel.

On Friday, Police Scotland Insp Donnie MacKinnon said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who died as a result of this crash.”

The officer added: “Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have dashcam footage which could assist to contact us.”

The crash happened on a stretch of road near the Borrodale House hotel.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were sent to the scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted just before 23:30, and two appliances were sent to assist the other emergency services.

The road was closed until about 11:55 on Friday.

First Minister John Swinney and his deputy Kate Forbes, who is a Highland MSP, have both posted messages on social media expressing their shock and sadness.

Swinney said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three young people in a car crash near Arisaig.

“My thoughts are with their families, friends and the whole community at this heartbreaking time.”

Kate Forbes, deputy first minister and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said she was deeply sorry to hear of news of the incident.

She added: “It is devastating beyond words. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”

Lochaber High School in Fort William has posted a message to pupils, parents and staff on social media.

It said: “We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in our community.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time.”

Lochaber High added that support services would be available for pupils and parents from Monday.