The family of a trainee gamekeeper who shot himself after he accidentally gunned down his girlfriend paid tribute to him today.
Calum Murray, who was just 18, took his own life moments after he killed Sophie Taylor, 16.
Last night his relatives, including mum Ann Emslie, spoke of their loss for the first time.
In a statement they said: “Calum was very passionate about his new career.
He loved the outdoors, walking with his dogs in the hills and had shown a real flair and desire to progress with his gamekeeping.
“Calum was much admired both by his family and his friends and we are very proud of all he had achieved. He will be loved and treasured forever.”
Callum and Sophie died on Tuesday evening at a remote cottage on the Glenavon Estate close to Tomintoul in the Highlands.
It’s believed she was cooking a meal along with a pal for Calum and another young gamekeeper.
But the night ended in tragedy when Calum’s shotgun went off accidentally.
It’s understood he left the cottage and turned the gun on himself.
A huge investigation into the incident was launched by Grampian Police, which involved dozens of officers.
Sophie’s family paid tribute to her just hours after the tragedy and described her as “bright and bubbly”.
Her parents David, 41, and Kate, 44, told of their shock at losing the youngster, who was studying for her Standard Grades at Speyside High.
Yesterday Calum’s family told how he was raised in the Dunecht and Tillyfourie areas and attended Westhill and Alford Academies.
A statement, issued by Grampian Police, said: “Calum was a much loved and loving son, brother, grandchild, nephew and friend to many.”
A special website, called Sleep Tight Calum, was set up on social networking site Facebook in honour of him.
On it friends paid their own tributes to him. Michelle Stuart, said: “There have been so many laughs and good times shared. Equally as many fantastic memories made.
“Brilliant guy, forever remembered, always missed. You take care of your family from up there.”
While Megan Morrice said: “I’ll never forget how your were always the loud annoying one on the bus to college when everyone else was still half asleep.
“You always made me laugh. Heaven has gained an angel worth keeping. Sleep tight you menace, you’ll never be forgotten.”