Tributes paid to 'bright, happy' schoolboy Charlie Morrison after quad bike crash death near Durness

Tributes have been paid to a schoolboy killed after his quad bike crashed in the Highlands.

Emergency services were called to land near Durness at around 4.20pm on Tuesday. 11-year-old child Charlie Morrison was pronounced dead at the scene.

Durness Primary School has been closed on Wednesday following the incident.

His headteacher said the community was “devastated by the tragic news of the death”.

Graeme Smart said Charlie was a “bright, happy boy who loved being in the outdoors”.

“The whole North West Sutherland Schools Community are devastated by the tragic news of the death of one of our pupils,” Mr Smart said.

“He was a bright, happy boy who loved being in the outdoors, had a real love for technology and model making and a curiosity about how things worked.

“He was a much loved and valued part of our school group and the schools are sadder places this morning.

“The whole community is deeply shocked by this terrible accident and our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

The incident happened near Durness, in the Highlands. iStock

A cousin of Charlie’s father said Tuesday was a “very dark night” for the family in Durness.

“If we are deeply distressed, one cannot begin to imagine the depth of brokenness of heart and unutterable despair of mum and dad,” said Donald Morrison

“Please remember them together in prayer.”

STV News understands the boy was travelling on the quad bike between his parents’ and his grandparents’ homes on Tuesday when the crash occured.

Police said investigations were ongoing into the schoolboy’s death.

Sergeant Christopher Donaldson from the Road Policing Unit at Dingwall said: “Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Police enquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this crash.”

“The community is very sad, once the news filtered through from early evening and waking up and reflecting on what has happened,” councillor Hugh Morrison, of no relation, told STV News.

“They are a well known family in the area, no words can really express the sorrow that will be felt by everyone connected to the family.

“The community here will rally round. We are a close-knit community. Everybody knows everybody.”