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A9 Inverness tragedy: ‘I cannot imagine my world without her’ - heartbroken mum pays tribute to daughter





Alison and Ashleigh Watson.
Alison and Ashleigh Watson.

“A ray of sunshine” is how a heartbroken and grieving mother has described her daughter who tragically died in a car accident last Friday.

Alison Watson said her daughter Ashleigh had the “kindest heart” and was a loving mum to her boys Jayden (15) and Liam (13).

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The 31-year-old died following a fatal one-vehicle crash involving a Citroen DS3 on the A9 near Inshes. Emergency services attended at around 1.40am but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with support,” Alison said. “So many people have been reaching out and asking after the boys.

“The emergency services have been amazing. Given the horrible situations they have to put up with, they have been remarkable.

“Family and friends have been fantastic as well as people reaching out. We’ve had Ashleigh’s very close friends at the house as it’s been a comfort for them to be with me and for me to be with them.

“Ashleigh was a ray of sunshine. She lit up the room when she came in. She was my sidekick. She was so full of fun and so full of life. She loved people and brought so much joy to everybody.

“She had the kindest heart and would do anything for anybody. She was the first at the bar and first with her hand in her pocket. I just can’t believe the response.”

Ashleigh Watson.
Ashleigh Watson.

Alison said Ashleigh, who lived in Inshes, was a “fantastic hairdresser” who worked out of a salon at Raigmore Motel. She was also a “good little cook” and loved to sing and dance, walking and going with Alison to Bannatyne’s gym and spending time with her sons.

“Every year for the past 31 years, Ashleigh has been with me at Christmas,” Alison said. “We would always have Christmas together so the boys will have time with us this Christmas.

“We are going to try and get through it together but I cannot imagine what it will be like. I cannot imagine my world without her. We did everything together - we talked to each other all the time, we walked together and we’d go to the gym together. She was my best pal.”

Following the crash, a 35-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment for what are described as serious injuries.

Sergeant Neil MacDonald said: “Our thoughts remain with Ashleigh’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and I urge anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has any information to contact us.

“Any drivers with dashcam who were on the road around the time of the crash are asked to review their footage and please let us know if it contains anything that may be relevant to our enquiries.”

Part of the A9 was closed for more than 12 hours while police investigated the scene.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0232 of December 20.


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