A FATHER-of-two young children has died following a crash involving a car and a lorry in the Scottish Highlands.

The Highlands and Islands Road Policing Unit said a man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the A9 Inverness near Alness at about 9.10pm on Monday, January 4.

The man has been named locally as Thomas Hobson.

It is understood the 27-year-old was from Llandudno Junction.

A GoFundMe page, set up by Daniel Hesketh from Llandudno on behalf on Mr Hobson’s wife Lucy, has raised nearly £24,000.

A statement on the page says: "Our friend, colleague and dedicated family man Thomas Hobson has sadly passed away leaving behind his wife Lucy and two children, Harper and Ralphie who are five and three years old

"Tom who was only 27, was travelling for work purposes in Scotland on the evening of January 4 when he was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on the A9 to Inverness which is regarded as Scotland’s most dangerous road.

"Tom was a much-loved character, loved not just by his family, but by all his multinational colleagues. He was always full of life and had a constant beaming smile which was infectious to his colleagues, this positive attitude was always on show despite working at times for weeks on end offshore in arduous conditions such as the North Sea.

"The purpose of this Go-fund me appeal is to not just raise money to alleviate a little pressure at this difficult time; but also, to show support to this very young family."

A private funeral will be held for Mr Hobson on Monday, January 18.

The Highlands and Islands Road Policing Unit said officers closed the A9 Inverness for about seven hours while a road traffic investigation was carried out.

The other driver involved in the incident was not injured, police said.

Sergeant David Miller, of the Highlands and Islands Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family of those involved in this incident.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have information surrounding the circumstances of the crash to get in contact with officers.

“At the time of the crash, there was a blue vehicle travelling north who may have witnessed the incident and we would ask the driver to speak to police.

“If you have any information that could assist with our investigation, please get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone who has dashcam footage to come forward and speak to officers.”

Police Scotland can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 3301 of Monday, 4 January, 2021.

Donate to the fundraiser for the family of Mr Hobson at www.gofundme.com/f/tom-hobson