A workmate of a young Wick man who died in a harbour tragedy yesterday denied seeing the victim involved in a fight in a nightclub shortly before he went missing.

A fatal accident inquiry has heard claims that Kevin MacLeod was assaulted after trouble flared in the Waterfront Club.

On the second day of the inquiry at Wick Sheriff Court, fellow Rockwater worker Ian Ross said he had not witnessed any fight involving Mr MacLeod, 24.

Mr Ross, 25, said he had been drinking with Mr MacLeod before they went to the nightclub where they met up with Mr MacLeod's best friend Mark Foubister and Mr William Wood.

Mr Ross, a materials controller, of Plover Place, Reiss, said Mr MacLeod and Mr Wood became engaged in a heated row over who did the more work at Rockwater.

He denied it had been violent and did not recall Mr MacLeod being struck by any other individual. Mr Ross was later told by a club steward that he (Mr Ross) restrained the individual. He admitted his recollection of events was clouded by the alcohol he had consumed.

Mr MacLeod's parents refuse to accept the police theory that their son tripped on a quayside bollard and plunged into the harbour. They believe he was beaten up in a follow-up incident to earlier trouble that started in the nightclub.

Mr Wood, 39, claimed he had to leave the area because of threats from Mr MacLeod's father Hugh, who also works at Rockwater.

The inquiry continues.