It is with deep regret, that the organisers of the Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally can confirm that there was a fatality on today’s second stage, the seventh of the rally.

The co-driver of Car 2, Andrew Mort (47), was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident by paramedics. His family have been informed.

Driver, John MacCrone, aged 26, was airlifted to a hospital in Glasgow to receive treatment for serious injuries. Both men are from Dervaig on the island of Mull.

No one else was was involved in the incident.

The event organisers and relevant authorities are working closely with Police Scotland to establish precisely what happened.

The organisers of the event are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and send their condolences to the family and friends of the co-driver, and offer their best wishes to the driver for a full recovery.

Road policing officers have begun an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sergeant Archie McGuire of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Divisional Road Policing Unit, who is leading the inquiry, said today: “For the spectators and participants of the annual Mull Rally, this has been a desperately saddening event. We are working closely with the event organisers in investigating the incident. Specialist officers are at the scene and have begun the process of determining the circumstances which have led to this crash.”

“We thank those who have been in contact with police at the scene to pass on information and to give statements. We would ask for anyone else who has not yet given a statement to contact officers at the Road Policing Unit at Dumbarton on the 101 number. We would be grateful to receive any mobile phone footage that spectators may have as part of our ongoing enquiries.”