Thursday, February 01, 2018

Nairn Gritter driver Derek Reid thanked for rescuing driver

Highland Council Press Release:

A member of the Highland Council’s winter roads maintenance team has been praised by Councillors for his quick actions in rescuing a driver whose car had plunged down an embankment and landed in a stream. 

John Dermody from Newcastle was driving along the B9007 near Ferness, South of Nairn on the 28 December in snowy conditions when his car went off the road and down a steep embankment. Although he was able to contact emergency services to tell them about the accident he was not able to give them details of his location. 

Lucky for him gritter driver Derek Reid from Nairn spotted the car skid tracks and stopped to investigate. He was able to scramble down the slope and reach Mr Dermody who was trapped in his car then confirmed the location of the accident to the emergency services and stayed with Mr Dermody until they arrived. 

At the start of today’s meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Derek was presented with a quaich and thanked for his quick actions in coming to the aid of Mr Dermody. 

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson said: “Derek demonstrated above and beyond public service when he came to the rescue so on behalf of all the Committee we wanted to thank him for his quick actions.” 

A modest Derek said: “I only did what any of my colleagues would have done Coming to the assistance of drivers, especially in the winter, is something we all do, so I see this presentation and thanks not just for me but all my colleagues.”

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