BEAULY TANKER CRASH: Leader of Highland Council and Provost react to serious incident in village

The leader of Highland Council and the Provost of Inverness have spoken of their shock after an oil tanker ploughed into an unused shop in Beauly.

Councillors Margaret Davidson and Helen Carmichael said they hoped no one was seriously hurt in the accident that happened shortly after 11.45am this morning, Thursday.

One man was taken to hospital by air ambulance and another received treatment after walking away from the crash.

Cllr Davidson, who is also the councillor for the ward, said: "I am relieved that there seems to have been only one person hurt, and I sincerely hope it is not serious.

"Also thank goodness the shop was empty.

"I am sure the police will investigate the accident, and we can, but there were eye witnesses who will forever have the image of the accident imprinted on their mind."

She added: "Croyard Road is narrow and crowded and we really do have to investigate how we can improve pedestrian and road user safety."

Councillor and Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, who lives in less than half a mile away at Station Road in Beauly, said: “I passed three police cars going into the village before I left at about 1pm and then another four after that.

"It really is quite shocking.

“I really am shocked to learn that something like this has happened in Beauly where I live.

I am trying to find out more about what has happened.

“My first thought is that hopefully nobody has been seriously hurt, either in the tanker or in the building it hit. My thoughts are with the casualties and everyone else affected.

“I’m on my way home at the moment and I’m hoping to find out more about what happened as soon as I get home."

READ: 14 fire appliances en route to Beauly after reports of a 'truck' that smashed through bollards and into shops and houses

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