Teacher in minibus collapse dies

John Clark, left, and Andrew Kellock were praised for their actions

A teacher who collapsed at the wheel of a school minibus carrying pupils has died.

David Aitchison, 58, was driving a Millburn Academy rugby team back to Inverness from a match in Plockton in February when he took ill.

Two pupils sitting in the front of the bus managed to bring it safely to a halt. John Clark and Andrew Kellock were later praised for their actions.

Mr Aitchison died at the Highland Hospice.

The incident happened near the Clunie Inn on the A87 between Invermoriston and Kyle.

John, 13, and Andrew, 12, managed to grab the wheel and handbrake.

Fourteen other boys were on the bus.

A keen sportsman, Mr Aitchison was a former PE teacher.

His sister, Linda Mason, said: "Dave had a great passion for life and will be sadly missed by a wide range of people in the many interests he enjoyed.

"The overwhelming support he received during his illness from colleagues, pupils and ex-pupils, friends and past rugby team-mates was indicative of the impact and difference he had made to many people both as a teacher and a friend."