Driver charged over tourists' deaths

Flowers were left at the side of the road

A fisherman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of three holidaymakers by driving carelessly while drunk.

Justin Elder, 28, was released on bail after his appearance at Dingwall Sheriff Court.

Shirley Braithwaite, 51, her 22-year-old daughter Natalie and her 19-year-old son Matthew were killed after allegedly being struck by a car in the village of Gairloch, Wester Ross, on Friday.

The family from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, had been due to return home the following day.

Shirley Braithwaite: Struck by car

Mr Elder, whose address was given as care of Walker Crescent, Culloden, Inverness, appeared in private at the sheriff court on Monday.

He was charged with causing the three deaths by careless driving while drunk.

It is also alleged that Mr Elder drove without insurance, without an MOT test certificate and with faulty tyres.

Mr Elder, who is originally from Gairloch, made no plea or declaration when he appeared on petition before Sheriff David Neill.