THE grieving partner of a car rally co-driver who was killed while competing in an event has insisted that a traditional walk went ahead in his memory.
Andy Mort, 47, of the Isle of Mull, who was competing in a car with John MacCrone, 26, in the Mull Motor Rally, died on Saturday in an accident.
Mr MacCrone, also from the island, was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he is being treated for his injuries.
The event was cancelled and an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is under way. No-one else was involved in the incident.
Despite the tragedy, Mr Mort's partner Sarah Everitt insisted the rally celebration walk still went ahead yesterday afternoon.
The event, which traditionally marks the end of the rally, became an emotional gathering for residents of the close-knit community.
Hundreds more visitors and crew members were also present to mark the life of Mr Mort, as well as 41-year-old driver Chris Lawson from Otley, West Yorkshire, who died suddenly on the island last Monday.
Led by three rally cars, the procession began at 2.30pm at Aros Hall in Tobermory. The family of Mr MacCrone were present, as supporters made their way to the finish point at Ledaig.
Tributes to Mr Mort have been left on the Mull Rally Facebook page, including from his daughter,Olivia. She said: "We hope everyone remembers dad doing what he loved the most."
An update from Mr MacCrone's family was also posted on Facebook yesterday, stating his injuries were not as serious as initially suspected.
Sgt Archie McGuire, who is leading the inquiry into the crash, appealed for more witnesses to come forward, particularly spectators who may have mobile phone footage of the incident.
He said: "For the spectators and participants of the annual Mull Rally, this has been a desperately saddening event. We are working closely with the event organisers in investigating the incident."
The Motor Sports Association also issued this statement: "As with any serious incident in or around UK motor sports, the MSA is now working with the event organisers and relevant authorities to establish precisely what happened on this occasion.
"The MSA is saddened by this tragic incident and sends its condolences to the family and friends of the co-driver, and offers its best wishes to the driver for a full recovery."
It is the latest in a series of rally fatalities in recent years.
Last year three spectators were killed in the Jim Clark Rally through the Borders when a car came off the road.
Teacher Joy Robson, 50, of Skye, died in 2013 after a competing car careered off the track at the Snowman Rally in the Highlands.
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