Young couple who died in crash were 'planning the future' together

A young couple who died in a crash in Aberdeenshire at the weekend were planning for their future together, their families have said.

Jay Morrison and Bethany Wilson, both aged 24, died in the accident involving their Vauxhall Corsa and a Land Rover Evoque on the A952 between Toll of Birness and Mintlaw at Clola at about 19:25 on Saturday.

Mr Morrison's family, who described him as an "adventurer at heart", said the couple had "huge plans" for the future.

Ms Wilson, a University of Strathclyde graduate, was about to start a new job in Aberdeen - her family said she had "worked incredibly hard for her achievements".

Investigations into the crash are continuing.

Mr Morrison was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while Ms Wilson was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died from her injuries.

The occupants of the Land Rover involved in the crash - a 62-year-old man and a woman aged 61 - were also taken to hospital for treatment.

Two boys, aged seven and five, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

A statement from Mr Morrison's family said he was "a brilliant, strong, handsome, charismatic, kind, and truly incredible young man whose smile literally lit up every room".

"Jay had an incredible sense of humour, he was a philosopher who saw the world from many perspectives and had a beautiful soul as well as a beautiful mind," they said.

"He was an adventurer at heart with a love for travelling and experiencing everything the world had to offer."

"Their love for each other was profound and absolute, the kind of rare once in a lifetime devotion that touched everyone who knew them," they said.

"Our lives will never be the same without them."

Ms Wilson's family said she had attended Longside Primary School and Ellon Academy, where she played the cello with lots of different musical groups.

She studied for a masters degree in product design and innovation at the University of Strathclyde, before taking a job with Walker's and had been about to start a new role with seafood manufacturer Joseph Robertson in Aberdeen.

"Bethany was an extraordinary young woman who touched the lives of so many in the short time we were blessed to have her with us," her family said.

"From her passion for design to her love of music, she embraced life with energy and joy, and had worked incredibly hard for her achievements.

"We are comforted by the thought that she had been so happy when we last saw her, looking forward to starting a new job, and planning for the future alongside her partner Jay."

They said they were "devastated" but felt "privileged" to have shared their lives with her and thanked emergency services for doing everything they could to try to save their "precious daughter".

Sgt Pete Henderson said: "Our thoughts remain with Jay and Bethany's family and friends at this difficult time."

He asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the police.