Girl, 9, dies in two-vehicle crash in the Highlands

A nine-year-old girl has died in a two-vehicle crash in the Highlands.

The girl was a rear seat passenger in a VW Polo involved in a collision with a Ford Ranger at about 17:30 on Wednesday on the A831 between Drumnadrochit and Cannich, south of Inverness.

Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver and a front seat passenger of the Polo were taken to hospital for treatment.

BBC Scotland News understands the family are from France. The road was closed for seven hours to allow for an investigation.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were sent to the crash.

Sgt Kate Finlayson said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl who died, and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or the vehicles prior to contact us.

"I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dashcam footage that could assist to please get in touch."

The Scottish Ambulance Service said it sent several resources, including four ambulances, a critical care team and an air ambulance, to the scene.

A spokesperson said two patients were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

The crash happened on a 12-mile stretch of A831 between Drumnadrochit, a village on the shores of Loch Ness, and Cannich, which is a village at the end of Strathglass.

The road passes through a sparsely populated area of farms, forests and lochs.

David Fraser, a local Highland councillor, told BBC Scotland News: "It is always a tragedy when you hear of anybody dying in a road accident, particularly a young person.

"Everybody I have spoken to has been shocked by what has happened, and we send our condolences to the family, the friends and everybody involved in this tragic accident."