Based on reporting by STV News, 16 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to STV News, emergency services attended the A9 at Tarlogie, near Tain in the Highlands, at around 5.15pm on Saturday 10 October 2026, following a collision involving a white Peugeot 208 and a white Renault Master Luton van. The driver of the Peugeot, a man in his mid-eighties, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van, a man in his forties, was taken to hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
As reported by STV News, a Highland football club issued a public statement paying tribute to the man who died, describing the loss as heartbreaking and offering condolences to his wife, family and friends. The road was closed overnight to allow crash investigation work to be carried out and re-opened in the early hours of the following morning.
Police Scotland confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage of the incident to come forward by contacting Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant incident number.
Fatal road traffic accident claims in Scotland
When a person dies as a result of a road traffic accident in Scotland, certain close relatives may be entitled to seek compensation through a civil claim. This is entirely separate from any criminal or police investigation, which looks at whether road traffic law was broken. A civil claim considers whether negligence contributed to the collision and whether that negligence caused the death.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver, or drivers, whose actions fell below the standard expected of a reasonably careful road user. In practice, insurers for the vehicles involved will typically handle any civil claim. Where a driver is uninsured or cannot be traced, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may provide a route to compensation for eligible claimants.
It is important to understand that making a compensation claim does not interfere with the police investigation and does not require a criminal conviction to succeed. The standard of proof in a civil claim is lower than in criminal proceedings. Families are not required to take any immediate steps, and many choose to wait until they feel ready before seeking advice.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, there is generally a three-year time limit within which a civil compensation claim must be raised. In a fatal accident case, that period typically runs from the date of death. It is advisable not to allow this deadline to pass without seeking legal advice, as courts have limited discretion to allow late claims in only particular circumstances.
There is no obligation for a family to act quickly in the immediate aftermath of a bereavement. The three-year window is intended to allow time for reflection and for investigations, including the police inquiry and any Fatal Accident Inquiry, to progress before a civil claim is pursued.
What compensation can cover
Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, close relatives of a person who has died as a result of another party's negligence may be entitled to a number of heads of compensation. These can include:
- Loss of support: where the deceased provided financial support to a spouse, partner or dependants, the value of that support may be recoverable.
- Funeral costs: reasonable funeral expenses are recoverable as a head of claim.
- Loss of society and grief: the Act provides for an award reflecting the grief, sorrow and loss of companionship suffered by those who were close to the deceased. This is sometimes referred to as a non-patrimonial award.
- Services: where the deceased carried out practical tasks for family members, the cost of replacing those services may be included.
The level of any award will depend on the specific circumstances of each family. Awards are not intended to be punitive; they aim to reflect genuine loss in a measured and evidence-based way. Any fees associated with pursuing a claim are not deducted from the compensation received.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family make a compensation claim while the police investigation is still ongoing?
Yes. A civil compensation claim is separate from any criminal or police process. Families can seek legal advice and, where appropriate, begin a civil claim without waiting for the outcome of a police investigation or any Fatal Accident Inquiry. In practice, many solicitors will monitor developments before formally pursuing a claim.
Who can make a claim following a fatal road accident in Scotland?
Under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011, a defined group of close relatives are entitled to claim. This includes a spouse or civil partner, a cohabiting partner of at least two years, children, parents and siblings of the deceased. The precise entitlement of each relative will depend on their relationship and individual circumstances.
What if the driver responsible was uninsured or unknown?
In Scotland, as across the United Kingdom, the Motor Insurers' Bureau exists to compensate victims of road accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers. Eligibility conditions apply, and claims must follow the correct procedure, but this route can provide access to compensation where a conventional insurer cannot be identified.
Is there a minimum amount of compensation payable in a fatal accident claim?
There is no fixed minimum. Awards are assessed on the facts of each case and reflect the nature of the relationship, the degree of financial dependency and the grief and loss suffered. Courts in Scotland use established guidelines and precedent to assess awards, particularly for loss of society and grief.
Does making a claim affect the police investigation or any Fatal Accident Inquiry?
No. Pursuing a civil compensation claim has no effect on a police investigation or on whether a Fatal Accident Inquiry is held. These are entirely separate processes. A civil claim can proceed independently, and in some cases the findings of an inquiry can assist in establishing the facts relevant to a claim.
Based on reporting by STV News, 16 October 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.