David and Juliet Oswald, of Fliskmillan Farm, near Newburgh, died on the A9 at the Slochd north of Aviemore when their pick-up truck and a car collided, with both vehicles being engulfed in flames.

Known for their interest in the countryside, fishing and dogs, the couple were said to be returning from a fishing trip when tragedy struck mid-afternoon last Saturday.

Dutch national Guido Coffeng (35) and his son Naut (1) also died in the horrific incident while a woman and a four-year-old girl were injured.
Several dogs travelling with the Oswalds in the pick-up truck perished as well.

Tributes this week honoured the Fife couple for their community service, warmth and friendliness.

Mr Oswald (71) was secretary and a former chairman of the Creich and Flisk Community Council and Mrs Oswald (68) remained a great supporter of the group, usually taking the minutes at each meeting.

A retired businessman, Mr Oswald was a stalwart of North East Fife Conservative Association while Mrs Oswald, an artist, was involved in carriage riding for the disabled.

Creich and Flisk Community Council chair, Dr Alan Evans, said the Tay coast district had been absolutely devastated by the loss of such a well-known and well-liked couple.

"It is a very small community on this coast and I think they were known by everyone."

Dr Evans described the Oswalds as warm, friendly, straightforward people and praised Mr Oswald's efforts as a community councillor.

"His tireless work for the community in this area has been invaluable over a long number of years and his contribution will be very hard to replace."

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank said Mr and Mrs Oswald had longstanding connections with North East Fife Conservatives and worked hard for the Newburgh branch as well as the local association.

"David and Juliet Oswald were extremely highly regarded by all who knew them,'' he added.

"David had been an office bearer at both levels for many years and, until recently, had been treasurer of the association."

Mr Brocklebank added: "David and Juliet will be sadly missed, not least for their tireless work in organising local fetes and other events on behalf of the Conservative party."

Fife Councillor Andrew Arbuckle, a longtime neighbour of the Oswalds, also paid tribute, saying: "They were good neighbours, they were very active in the community and everyone round about has been totally shocked by this accident."

Fellow Councillor David MacDiarmid echoed this shock and called for improvements to the A9.

"It has to be upgraded, the sooner the better," he said.

Mr and Mrs Oswald are survived by their four adult children, who declined to make any public statement.