Police name two lorry drivers killed in 'head-on' crash on A9

The crash happened in the Calvine area at about 02:25

Police have named two lorry drivers who were killed in a head-on crash on the A9 north of Blair Atholl last week.

Alex Russell, 37, of Moodiesburn, North Lanarkshire, and John Sommerville, 34, of Carluke, South Lanarkshire, died at the scene, near Calvine.

Mr Sommerville was driving a northbound newspaper lorry, while Mr Russell's lorry, which was carrying barrels of whisky, was travelling southbound.

The collision happened at about 02:25 on 1 June.

The A9 was closed in both directions until 20:00 while debris from the crash was removed from the carriageway.

'Greatly missed'

This led to significant delays for motorists using the road, which links Perth and Inverness.

The diversion for southbound traffic added 120 miles to some journeys.

A statement from Tayside Police said said: "Both families are understandably upset by their sudden loss and have said that they will both be greatly missed.

"They do not wish to make any further comments and have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

The statement said enquiries into the crash were still ongoing and officers wanted to hear from anyone who was travelling on the A9 between Perth and Drumochter between midnight and 03:00 on 1 June.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.