Highland flying school closes as mark of respect to pilot killed in Black Isle crash
TRIBUTES have been paid to an Inverness man who died in a gyrocopter crash on the Black Isle.
Paul Nichol (67), from Balloch, died at the scene of the crash near Avoch on Thursday afternoon.
And staff at Highland Aviation, which operated the gyrocopter, said they were "devastated by the loss of our friend".
Announcing that its flying school will also remain closed until Monday as a mark of respect, Highland Aviation posted a tribute on its website in which it 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.
"We are assisting local police and [the] Air Accidents Investigation Branch as they investigate this tragic loss.
"The Flying School is currently closed and will reopen on Monday.
"We would ask everyone to respect our privacy, and that of the pilot's family at this time."
Meanwhile, police investigating the accident have urged any witnesses who saw the crash to get in touch. They are also keen to see any video footage that people may have filmed of the gyrocopter before the incident.
Related news: Witnesses and video footage sought following fatal gyrocopter crash