A DARTS player has been described as a player destined to be a 'true great' of the sport after he was killed in a road accident in the Highlands.
Bryan Whyte, 34, a mechanic from Spean Bridge, died after his car was involved in a collision on the A82 on Friday, just weeks before he was due to make his Scotland debut at a tournament.
Mr Whyte had been selected to represent Scotland next month at an event in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Jim MacNeil, secretary of the Highland Darts Association, paid his respects on the website of the Spikeys, Mr Whyte's former team based at the Clachnaharry Inn in Inverness.
He said: "Highland Darts and Scotland at large have lost a true gentleman this week in tragic circumstances. Bryan Whyte was a true great in our game and a gentleman and great friend to all who met him."
Marian Ogg, ladies team manager and member of the executive committee of the Highland Darts Association, said: "Bryan was fantastic. He had only been playing about five years.
"He had burst on to the scene as it were. He achieved a lot in his short time. He played in the Open in the Isle of Man and had just recently been selected for the Scottish team who were due to play at the home internationals in April in Halifax.
"We are all absolutely shocked, devastated, Bryan's death is a massive loss. He was a big character and the loss is being felt right across Scotland and beyond."
The Highland team covers a large area from Argyll and Lochaber to Buckie, Inverness, Wick and Orkney.
The Highland team plays in the Scotland North division but travels as far afield as Falkirk, Arbroath and Aberdeen for matches.
Mr Whyte's career had started in Lochaber and he was regularly seen at the Tradeswind pub in Corpach where he was a frequent winner. But Fort William had no league set-up and he was offered a place at the Clachnaharry Inn's team. He later moved to the top league in Inverness.
Mr Whyte's vehicle was involved in a collision with a pick-up truck between Torlundy and Fort William. The other driver was treated in hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses.
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