Investigations by Northern Constabulary found neither Carlos Ruben Gonzales (15) or Gianmarco Stefano Peschiera (14) was wearing seat belts when the Honda 4x4 they were in collided with the back of a Tesco lorry parked in a lay-by.

The teenagers were being driven by former Fortrose Academy rector Donald MacLeod (82), of Drumossie Avenue, Inverness, when he suffered a heart attack.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies had to be cut from the wreckage by fire crews on the northbound carriageway between the Raigmore Interchange and the Longman Roundabout on 31st July.

This week Rev Alex MacDonald of the Free Church of Scotland said it was hard to tell if the wearing of seatbelts would have changed the situation.

"I have been to Peru and they are a bit more lax about things like seat belts there, but it does not take away from the fact that this is a tragedy," he said.

The students were in Scotland as part of a trip organised by the Free Church and the Colegio San Andres in Lima, where the boys were pupils, and all donations from Mr MacLeod's funeral service at Knockbain Free Church, Bogallon, Munlochy, last Friday have been sent to the college.

"There are obviously lessons that we are prepared to learn from this," said Rev MacDonald, who stressed the pupils were involved in Free Church youth camps which finished the week before the accident and the boys were being taken to a meeting place for a private visit to Lewis.

"We have an official policy for youth camps and transport and wearing seat belts is something we would expect people to conform to because it is the law," Rev MacDonald said. "If it is taken for granted in the policy then it should now be highlighted."

Rev MacDonald added he may consider looking at the age of drivers involved in Free Church activities but said Mr MacLeod was a fit and active man who had a valid driving licence and was entitled to drive, and heart attacks could happen to anyone at any age.

Inspector John Smith of Northern Constabulary's Road Policing Section said seatbelts saved lives and he urged people not to begin their journey without belting up.

"Recent tragic incidents have highlighted the need for all occupants of vehicles to wear seatbelts when fitted," he said.

The accident happened on Week One of the police's Safer Summer campaign during which eight drivers and three front seat passengers were detected not wearing seatbelts in the Highlands.

In the same week, seven drivers were caught speeding and 11 were charged with offences relating to drink driving.

"Although we are delighted that members of the public have continued to support police by reporting suspected drink drivers, it is disappointing to say the least that 11 people got into a vehicle after having consumed alcohol," Inspector Smith said.

"We will continue to target drink drivers who are not only a danger to themselves but to all other road users and pedestrians."

There were no drug drivers detected that week, but the Inspector said the police would remain as committed as ever in its battle against drug drivers.

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