Victim in fatal ambulance crash near Buckie named by police

A man who who died following an ambulance crash on the A98 has been named by police.

Alistair J Stewart, 36, from Ardersier, was driving a blue Renault Megane at Arradoul, near Buckie, at about 06:50 on Monday when it was in collision with the ambulance.

Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two male paramedics and the male patient from the ambulance were taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Hospital for treatment. None of their injuries are thought to be serious.

In a statement, Mr Stewart’s family said he was born in Inverness and brought up in Ardesier. He went to Culloden Academy and attended Global Highland Skills Academy before working as a welder at Forsyths Buckie.

The statement said: “He married Mikaela in July 2022 following an 11-year relationship and became a stepdad to Grace and Leon and Grandad to baby Finn. He was a loving husband.

“Alistair was a beloved son to Grace and Neil Stewart, of Ardersier. He is a much loved brother to Mhairi and Alan, and caring uncle to Rhys, Eryn, Owen and Jack, he’ll be sorely missed by us all”.

Sgt Dave Cooper from the road policing unit in Elgin said: “Our thoughts are with Alistair’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our inquiries are ongoing, and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or the vehicles prior to the crash and who hasn’t already spoken to officers to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and may have dashcam footage which could assist to get in touch.”