Our pride and joy
The remote cottage on the A939 Tomintoul to Cockbridge road where the double tragedy took place.
THE devastated family of a teenage girl killed in a double shooting at a cottage near Tomintoul have spoken of their “bright and bubbly” daughter and sister.
It is thought 16-year-old Sophie Taylor was accidentally shot by her gamekeeper boyfriend, Calum Murray (18), on Tuesday evening at Blairnamarrow Cottage, just off the A939 Lecht road.
Calum, it is believed, then took the gun outside and killed himself.
Sophie’s father, David, mother Katie, and brother David (18), released a statement through the police. They said: “We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter Sophie, who will be greatly missed by us, her brother and her grandparents as well as her many friends.
“She was studying for her standard grades at Speyside High School and had plans to continue working towards becoming a social worker.
“Sophie was bright and bubbly and loved spending time with her family and friends. We are immensely proud of her.
“We are a close family who will miss her very much and are completely shocked to have lost her so prematurely.”
Calum’s family also issued a statement through the police. They said: “Calum was a much loved and loving son, brother, grandchild, nephew and friend to many.
“Calum was much admired both by his family and his friends and we are very proud of all he had achieved. He will be loved and treasured forever.”
Both families asked for privacy so they can come to terms with their loss.
Sophie, of Keepers Cottage, Delnabo, worked as a waitress at the Glen Avon Hotel in Tomintoul.
Calum was a student at the North Highland College, Thurso, where he was studying for an SVQ level two course in gamekeeping and wildlife. Gordon Jenkins, college principal, said: “I have spoken to one of Calum’s tutors, who described him as a model student and popular with staff and students alike.”
He added that anyone seeking support or who wanted to speak to someone about Calum could contact the college.
The police were alerted to the shootings by the Ambulance Service at about 6.45pm on Tuesday. Around 30 detectives and a forensic team from the Scottish Police Services Authority are involved in the investigation.
Fingertip searches are being carried out in an effort to piece together a timeline of events.
Initially, the A939 was closed between the ski gates at Tomintoul and Corgarff to allow investigations to take place. The road has now? re-opened.
Detective Inspector Stewart Mackie, who is leading the investigation, held a press conference at the Lecht Ski Centre on Wednesday.
He said: “Officers attended the scene alongside paramedics and both injured parties were pronounced dead a short time later. This incident will shock the community both within Tomintoul and Grampian as a whole.
“The safety of the people within Grampian is at the forefront of all our investigations and we would reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two deaths are at an early stage; however, it is important to stress that we are not looking for any third party at this point.”
Ella Grant, depute head at Sophie’s school, said the news had deeply shocked and saddened everyone at the secondary.
“Sophie was in her fourth year at Speyside High School and was about to sit her standard grade exams in a few weeks,” said Ms Grant. “She had been working hard throughout the year to prepare for these.
“Sophie was well liked, both by her fellow pupils and by the staff, and she will be sorely missed. She was a credit to herself, her family and the school. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Sophie’s family at this very sad time.”
A whole school assembly will be held at Speyside High on Monday when staff and pupils return after the holidays.
Tomintoul minister the Rev Sven Bjarnason and guidance teachers will be on hand to give support to anyone who needs it.
More than 4,000 people have posted messages of condolence on Facebook page set up in memory of Sophie and Calum.
Aberlour Parish Church opened its doors yesterday (Thursday) from 2-4pm for Sophie’s grieving friends and anyone else wanting to reflect on the terrible events.
