Highland village in shock after Chinese tourist dies after 'altercation with youths'

A Highland village has been left in shock after a Chinese tourist died on a street following an altercation with youths.

Police received a report that a 63-year-old had died in the Main Street area of Strathpeffer at around 7.35pm on Monday.

The man, who was a Chinese tourist, is believed to have been involved in an “altercation” with a group in the vicinity of The Square.

Ron McAulay, Strathpeffer Community Council chairman, said the village, home to about 1,000 people, has been left “sad” following the tourist’s death.

Ron McAulay is the Strathpeffer Community Council chairman STV News

“Yeah, Strathpeffer is a small, very quiet village, and we attract a lot of tourists,” he said.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone in the village when I say just how sad we are about someone passing away when visiting the village as a tourist.

“And our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, family, and loved ones.”

The death has been reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course, and officers have asked that anyone with any information contact 101 quoting incident number 3069 of Monday, April 20, 2026.