Man in court over woman’s death as family pay tribute to ‘bright spirit’

The grieving family of the mother who was found dead in her home said that they “will never get over losing their mother.”

Naomi MacIvor has been described as a ‘bright soul’ who will be missed following her suspected murder in Dornoch, Sutherland, at the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Morrison Court in the town on Saturday afternoon, where the woman was found dead.

Earlier this week, 34-year-old Daniel Sutherland appeared in court after being charged with Ms MacIvor’s murder.

Tributes to the 46-year-old man began pouring in online as friends described their devastation at his death.

His family said in a statement through Police Scotland that they would never get over this loss.

They said: ‘Naomi was a loving mother, aunt, daughter and granddaughter.

‘He was everyone’s friend. We will never get over losing him. He was taken away too soon for such a bright soul.

Police and forensic teams in Dornich, Sutherland pronounced Ms MacIvor dead

‘We will miss him forever and love him forever.’

While social media was flooded with messages of condolence, heartfelt tributes were paid to him online.

She was described as a ‘lovely companion’ and a ‘beautiful angel’.

A friend said: ‘I miss you little buddy. There are so many tears for you. Go and gallop on Sam on the beach. Heartbroken.”

Another said she was ‘hurt’ to learn the news, while another said they ‘admired’ the woman, who was ‘such a lovely friend’.

Sutherland appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Thursday where he was charged with murder.

The 34-year-old man, from the Highland capital, made no plea when he was secretly discovered and taken into custody.

He will have his next hearing in eight days.