Tributes have been paid to a "bubbly" Scots mum who died in a horror crash on the A70 in Ayrshire. Shona McKinlay, from Dreghorn, passed away following the smash, near Ayr, early on Friday morning.
Emergency services raced to the scene, close to the Holmston Roundabout, shortly before 6am, with cops locking down the road. Debris could be seen strewn across the carriageway, with cops surrounding a damaged Audi TT.
The white Renault Kangoo van Shona had been driving had spun off the road. The mum was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family and friends have been paying tribute online to Shona, 46, who was a popular member of the community. The mum leaves behind her son Callum Grant and daughter Tahlar Grant, and fiancé Andy Muir.
Heartbroken Callum posted an image online last night, which appears to have been taken near the scene of the crash. Pictured alongside a Rangers top and flowers were condolence cards, as people began to visit the tragic site to pay their respects.
Her fiancé Andy, from Irvine, also posted a touching picture of the two together, as scores of family and friends left messages of condolonce.
Tahlar's partner Jonathon Scott left a touching note for Shona. He said: "You were a great mother to both Tahlar and Callum and a brilliant gran to my son.
"You gave everything to provide and care for them no matter what, where or how. You leave us without nothing but the best of memories and you’ll never leave our thoughts."
Others in the community lined up to pay tribute to the popular 46-year-old.
Darren Briers said: "Shona you were like family to me we’ve shared so many memories together and it will never be the same without you. You were a beautiful person inside and out and never failed to message us to ask about Colton and Rudi. I just can’t believe that you are gone."
Amanda McFarlane said: "All we keep thinking is we can’t believe we will never see her again and there will be an empty seat at our table at all the parties we go to. Always loyal, always the first to befriend you and the life and soul of the party. Nothing feels right today, it’s an uncomfortable feeling and just a big big shock to us."
Suzi Sue said: "I am devastated for the loss and pain your family will be feeling right now. I’ve thought about you all night, that bubbly wee lassie in Sandyford. Only chatted couple of days ago and we planned to have a wee drink together next week in Belfast."
The 23-year-old driver of the Audi was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and a 44-year-old female passenger in the van was taken to University Hospital Crosshouse, in Kilmarnock. Both have serious, but non-lifethreatening injuries.
Police Scotland closed the road for around 11 hours as they launched a probe into the horror smash. Sergeant Stewart Taylor of the Road Policing Unit in Irvine said: “Our thoughts are with Shona’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“We are continuing with enquiries to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area is asked to get in touch. You can pass on details to us by calling 101, quoting reference 0471 of October 28, 2022.”
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