Chinese tourist who died in village 'may have been in altercation'

Police say a 63-year-old man who died in a street of a Highland village may have been involved in an altercation with a group of people.

Emergency services were called to Strathpeffer's Main Street area at about 19:35 on Monday. BBC Scotland News understands the man who died was a Chinese tourist who staying at a hotel in the village.

Police Scotland initially said the death was not thought to be suspicious and was being treated as a medical matter.

Later, the force issued an appeal for witnesses after inquiries suggested there may have been an incident in the centre of the village.

A police spokesperson said: "From our inquiries so far, we have established the man may have been involved in an altercation with a group in the vicinity of The Square, Strathpeffer.

"As a result, the death has been reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

"Anyone with any information regarding the death or the prior altercation, is asked to contact Police Scotland."

The Scottish Ambulance Service said two ambulances and a pre-hospital immediate care and trauma team were sent to Strathpeffer.

The village, near Dingwall, was once a Victorian spa resort and continues to be a popular destination with visitors to the Highlands.

Strathpeffer is a relatively quiet, small place and home to about 1,000 people.

It has historically been known as a spa town and is very popular with visitors during the summer months.

Local residents spoke of their surprise and sadness that someone had died while visiting their village.