Men killed in Spean Bridge crash named

TRIBUTES have been paid to former detective constable David McCook and Steven Lauder, who were killed in a car crash on a Highland road on Saturday.

Around 200 tablets were seized. Picture: TSPL

Police have named McCook, 53, of Caol near Fort William, and Steven Lauder, 48, of Spean Bridge, as the victims of the weekend smash which happened at the Blackletter junction on the A82 near Spean Bridge on Saturday morning.

Both men had been driving their respective vehicles, a Peugeot 307 and Renault Laguna, at the time. One had three other passengers.

Mr McCook was a police officer for over 30 years and had been awarded a certificate of commendation for an investigation leading to the arrest of a dangerous sex offender within 40 minutes of his rape attempt being reported.

He is survived by wife Angie, daughters Becky and Rachel Elsie, and son Jonathan.

Rachel paid tribute to her father on a social networking site, saying she was “completely devastated” by the death of her father, who she said she was “so proud” of.

She added: “We are all so touched by the sheer amount of people whose lives were touched by such a wonderful man and a true gent. I’m speechless and completely devastated.”

Mr Lauder is believed to have been employed by a Highland construction firm involved in installing the new high voltage Beauly-Denny power line.

A relative said on a social networking site: “He was a total gentleman, such a great guy with an amazing personality. He was loved by so many people and all of us will miss him so much.”

A former colleague added: “He was a great guy and will be greatly missed.”

The A82 was closed for several hours as police carried out accident investigations.

Police Scotland has appealed for any witnesses to contact them.