Tributes paid to newlywed Marine and sister killed in car crash

A ROYAL Marine who was killed with his sister in a car crash in Aberdeenshire on Wednesday had been married for less than a fortnight, it has been revealed.

• Maia and Michael Strachan

Captain Michael Strachan, 28, a member of Arbroath-based 45 Commando Royal Marines, and his sister Dr Maia Strachan, 26, both died after the powerful TVR sports car they were in crashed.

The crash happened just 11 days after Capt Strachan had married his "adored" partner Kirsty McDonald.

Meanwhile Dr Strachan, a marine biologist, was planning her own wedding to her boyfriend of nine years, Alex Pithie.

The couple had been due to exchange vows in less than three months.

Capt Strachan and Dr Strachan's parents Abi and Roddy Strachan, their daughter Kirsty, Capt Strachan's wife and Dr Strachan's fiance paid tribute to the brother and sister in a statement.

"Michael and Maia were the most amazing brother and sister," they said.

"Michael was a Captain in the Royal Marines. He loved the life and the hard physical and mental challenges. But he was also a gentle giant who few people had seen angry. He always took the more considered approach to life.

"Maia was proud to be Dr Maia Strachan, a marine biologist, who loved, and was highly regarded in, her field."

They said both Capt Strachan and Dr Strachan had "lived for their partners" adding that Capt Strachan - who was known as Mike by his wife and friends - had married his sweetheart in Glasgow, "their vibrant adopted city", on November 6 this year.

The family said: "Although they were only married for eleven days before this tragedy, they had the most amazing and loving relationship."

Capt Strachan's wife also paid tribute to her 6ft 5in, red-headed husband.

"Mike was an irreplaceable big lump who made me feel like the most loved woman in the world," she said.

Dr Strachan was due to marry Mr Pithie on February 12 next year.

Her younger sister Kirsty, who was to be her bridesmaid, said: "Michael and Maia were the best brother and sister anyone could ever ask for."

The family of Capt and Dr Strachan added they were all "completely devastated" by their deaths and were "finding their loss dreadfully hard to endure".Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Lee also paid tribute to Capt Strachan, describing him as an "outstanding officer".

Lt Col Lee, 45 Commando's Commanding Officer, said: "We are all deeply saddened about the tragic and untimely death of Captain Michael Strachan.

"He was an outstanding officer who was quite literally larger than life."

He added that Capt Strachan would be remembered for his "inspirational leadership and strong, charismatic approach".

And Lt Col Lee said: "He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of all at 45 Commando are with Captain Strachan and his family."

The brother and sister were both killed when the TVR crashed on a country road. No other vehicles are thought to have been involved.

Grampian Police said the crash happened on the B979 Stonehaven to Netherley road in Aberdeenshire at about 8.10pm on Wednesday.