A nine-year-old girl who was hit by a tractor while riding her bike on a Scots road has been described as a ‘shining star’ by her devastated family and friends. The tragic incident happened on Castle Place in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, on Monday afternoon.
Girl pronounced dead at the scene
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 12.35pm, but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor driver was not injured, but was left shaken by the collision. Police Scotland said they were investigating the circumstances of the crash and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
The girl’s name has not been officially released, but she has been identified by local media as Mia Scott, a pupil at New Cumnock Primary School. Her family paid tribute to her in a statement, saying: “Mia was a shining star in our lives, a beautiful, kind, caring and loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend. She was always smiling and brought joy to everyone who knew her. She loved her school, her friends, her bike and her dog. She was our angel and we will miss her terribly.”
Community cancels activities in respect
The news of Mia’s death sent shockwaves through the small community of New Cumnock, where she was well-known and loved. Several local groups and organisations announced they were cancelling their activities for the week as a mark of respect and to offer support to the grieving family.
The New Cumnock Development Trust said: “In light of the tragic event in our community today, all NCDT activities over the coming week are now cancelled.” New Cumnock Baptist Church posted: “After the tragic event in the town today Tuesday Club is cancelled. Our prayers are with the family.” New Cumnock Bowling Club added: “Due to the tragic event in our village today the green will be closed tonight in respect for the family.”
School offers support to pupils and staff
Mia’s school also expressed its sadness and condolences in a statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mia, a much loved member of our school community. She was a bright, bubbly and talented girl who touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.”
The school said it was working closely with East Ayrshire Council and other agencies to provide support and counselling to pupils and staff who were affected by the tragedy. The chief education officer at East Ayrshire Council, Linda McAulay Griffiths, told STV News: “Our thoughts are with all involved at this very sad time. We will be working closely with the school and together we will do all we can to help and support those affected in the coming days. All enquiries relating to the incident itself are being handled by our colleagues in Police Scotland.”
Police appeal for information
Police Scotland said they were continuing their enquiries into the fatal incident and urged anyone who witnessed it or had dashcam footage to contact them. Sergeant Kevin Blackley, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends at this time. We are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the tractor or the girl on her bike before the collision, or who may have any information that could assist us with our enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1449 of 18 September, 2023.”
