Family tribute to crash pilot
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The pilot killed in a gyrocopter crash last week died "doing something he loved", his family have said in a tribute to him.
Paul Nichol, from Balloch, died when his light aircraft came down in a field near Avoch on the Black Isle last Thursday.
In a statement issued through the police this afternoon, the 67-year-old's family stated that words could not describe the "depth of pain and sadness we all feel".
They said: "Paul lost his life whilst out doing something he loved so much.
"It was the freedom that flying gave him; the sense of adventure, the chance to feel challenged and to explore.
"Always keen to learn new things and be outside doing something, he was rarely still... always getting on with tasks and planning new projects and loving life.
"Life can never be the same without him.
"Words can't express how much I'll miss him, as will all his family, friends and past work colleagues.
"Nothing will ever get close to explaining the depth of pain and sadness we all feel."
Police have repeated an appeal for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
The gyrocopter came down at 12.55pm on Thursday, November 12.
It had flown from the Inverness area before the incident.
Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said: "I would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul at this very difficult time
"Our investigation into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.
"I would continue to urge anyone who may have seen the gyrocopter in the air, during or after the incident to please contact police.
"We are keen to also speak to anyone who may have images or video footage."
Call police on 101, quoting incident number 1385 of November 12, or via the online portal set up for this incident here
