Tributes paid to teen killed in Invergordon crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to the “popular and outstanding” pupil at a Highland secondary who died after being struck by a car while walking home from an after school drama class.

Police are seeking a man after the shop robbery on Sunday night. Picture: Police Scotland

Hollie Mackay, 15, from the Kildary area, died in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness after being hit by a car on the A9 near Invergordon on Wednesday night.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said that Hollie had been involved in the collision on the A9 near the Shandwick Inn at Kildary, shortly before 5.30pm on Wednesday and had died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

Special assemblies were held yesterday at Invergordon Academy following the death of the secondary four pupil.

Alison Drew, the Acting Head Teacher of the 430-pupil secondary, described Hollie as a “popular and outstanding” pupil who would be sadly missed by her classmates.

Ms Drew said the “very talented and able young girl” had been returning home at 5.30 pm after taking part in an after-school drama session when the accident happened

She said: “Hollie was a popular and thoughtful member of our close-knit school community. She was a talented musician, a keen skier and drama was one of her real passions. She was a key player in the Invergordon Youth Theatre and also attended drama activities at Eden Court.

“Hollie represented the school in plays, musical performances, sports and other events. She had taken part in an after-school drama session immediately before the accident. She was an outstanding pupil, who was popular with her friends and highly regarded by school staff. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”

A council spokesman said: “Special assemblies were held this morning and rooms were set aside for pupils to receive counselling and support. Both staff and volunteers are available to support our young people at this very difficult time.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “The family of Hollie Mackay have asked the media to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.”

The spokesman added: “Police would like to hear from anyone who may have any information in relation to the collision and are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

The busy route was closed in both directions for several hours while officers from the force’s Road Policing Unit carried out a detailed examination of the scene.