Inverness flying school 'devastated' by pilot's death

Emergency service vehicles at the scene of Thursday's crash near Avoch

A flying school has said it had been "devastated" by the death of a pilot in a light aircraft crash.

The 67-year-old, who has not been named, died after his Highland Aviation gyrocopter came down in a field near Avoch on the Black Isle on Thursday.

Police have set up an online portal where witnesses to the crash can leave any information.

Inverness Airport-based Highland Aviation said its "deepest sympathies" went to the pilot's friends and family.

The company has temporarily closed its flying school until Monday.

In a statement, Highland Aviation said: "We regret to announce there was a gyrocopter incident on Thursday that involved an aircraft operated by Highland Aviation.

"We are all devastated by the loss of our friend, and our deepest sympathies goes out to the pilot's family and friends."

The company said it was assisting the police and Air Accident Investigation Branch with their inquiries.

'Difficult time'

Emergency services were alerted to the crash at about 12:55 on Thursday and four fire appliances and two ambulances were sent to the scene.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident.

Det Insp Brian Geddes said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who sadly lost his life, and we will have officers providing support at this difficult time.

"Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. We have already spoken to a number of people who witnessed the crash, however, we are appealing to anyone we haven't spoken to, to get in touch."

He added: "I would also urge anyone who might also have images or video footage of the gyrocopter in the air or during the incident to please contact police either via 101, quoting incident number 1385 of 12 November, or via the online portal set up for this incident."