Deer thought to be cause of crash that killed Skye cyclist

Police Scotland have launched an appeal after a cyclist was killed on the Isle of Skye, apparently after hitting a deer.

David Anthony Young, aged 73, died in the incident on Friday 4 May, which happened on an unclassified road near Ord.

Officers confirmed that no other vehicle was involved in the fatal crash and that it is thought Mr Young had been in a collision with a wild animal, with the Press and Journal reporting that it is believed to have been a deer.

Sergeant Chris Murray, of the Road Policing Unit, said "Our thoughts are with David's family and friends at this difficult time and ask that their privacy is respected.

"Our enquiries into this tragic incident are ongoing, and I would appeal for anyone who saw David on the morning of  May 4, who has not already spoken to police to contact us on 101, making reference to NP2208/18," he added.

Isle of Skye councillor Calum MacLeod, quoted by the Press and Journal, said: “There is deep sadness in the community, he was very much considered part of the community and was very obliging to helping people out where necessary. There is no doubt he will be sadly missed.”

Fellow councillor John Finlayson added: “I have spoken with a neighbour who was shocked to hear of the incident, and obviously the local community and everyone in the area are sad to hear of the tragic event. My best wishes are with the family.”

The newspaper reports that each year, there are 7,000 collisions between vehicles and deer in Scotland and that an average of 65 people are injured annually as a result.