A community in the Scottish Highlands is in mourning after the sudden death of an 11-year-old boy on New Year's Day.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
Lucy Neal has described her son Mason as a 'loving, caring, bright, cheeky handsome little man' following his tragic passing. The boy fell ill at his home in the village of Staxigoe, near Wick, on the morning of 1st January 2026.
Emergency services were called just after 11am, and Mason was taken by ambulance to Caithness General Hospital in Wick. Despite medical efforts, he died a short time later.
In an emotional social media post, his mother expressed the family's profound grief. 'Reality hasn't sunk in yet,' she wrote. 'To say I'm devastated, heartbroken and utterly destroyed doesn't even come close to how I, how we are feeling.'
She poignantly added: '4322 days with you will never be enough, my Mason – I want you back, we want you back!'
Community Rallies in Support
The local community has responded with an overwhelming show of support. A GoFundMe page set up to help the family had collected more than £13,000 in less than 24 hours as of yesterday afternoon.
Organiser Pat Ramsay urged people to rally around Mason's mother, Lucy, and his big sister, Phoebe. 'They are devastated and need our support to help them on this tragic journey,' Ramsay said.
Tributes have flooded in for the popular youngster. One friend recalled his 'curly hair, those flying hugs... and cheeky smile,' while another described him as 'forever a little live wire, fizzing with energy.'
School Pays Respects
Mason was a Primary Seven pupil at Noss Primary School. Headmaster Fraser Thomson said the school community was deeply saddened.
'Mason was a kind, polite and popular pupil and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him,' Mr Thomson stated. He confirmed that support is available for any pupils or staff affected by the loss.
Police Confirm No Suspicious Circumstances
Police Scotland confirmed they attended the incident in Staxigoe. A spokesperson stated: 'There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.'
The family now faces the unimaginable task of coming to terms with their loss. Lucy Neal ended her tribute with the words: 'Love you more. Forever 11.'
