FRIENDS, former teachers and local councillors have paid tribute to two men who were tragically killed in a horrific road accident.

Scott Prior, 20, from Dumbarton and dad-of-one Mark McColl, 24, from Old Bonhill were travelling in their Peugeot work van on the A83 near Cairndow, Argyll and Bute, when they were involved in a collision with a lorry.

Another man Robin Brown, 63 from Renton, was also in the van and sustained minor injuries. The 24-year-old driver of the lorry was injured.

Family members told the Reporter they were too upset to speak about the tragedy.

An off-duty firefighter raised the alarm after he passed the scene while travelling with his family.

He immediately went to the assistance of the casualties as Strathclyde Fire and Rescue crews from Inveraray, Arrochar and Clydebank all raced to the site of the crash.

The firefighters worked with colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service and Strathclyde Police to help those involved - but sadly the van's two passengers were declared dead at the scene.

The men worked for Dumbarton-based DCF Joiners and Building Services, and were travelling home from a job in the Argyll and Bute area at around 4.30pm last Tuesday, February 12. Colleagues at DCF were too upset to make a comment at this stage.

Scott had attended Dumbarton Academy, where staff were shocked to hear the news.

Linda Bourhill, deputy head spoke to the Reporter on Friday.

She said: "The staff and pupils at Dumbarton Academy are deeply saddened at the tragic news and our thoughts are with Scott's family and close friends at this time."

Charles Rooney, (pictured left) head teacher at Our Lady and St Patrick's (OLSP) High offered his condolences to the family of former pupil Mark McColl. He said: "The school extends its sincerest sympathies to the family. Staff and pupils will keep Mark and his family in our prayers at this time."

Friends used social media to voice their grief and sadness, and paid tribute to the two men.

Kim Graham wrote on Facebook: "So shocked.R.I.P Scott,You were an awesome guy and this is heartbreaking.You will be missed!!!xx"

Susie Pearson also wrote on Facebook: "Rest in piece Mark x"

Former schoolmate Karis MacGregor posted: "Just heard about Scott, such a shame. He seemed like a nice guy. my thoughts are with his family, and to all of his friends. rest in peace Scott."

Danny McCollom wrote: "RIP Scott Prior, horrible news and you'll be dearly missed by a lot of people! God Bless!"

Members of West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) also expressed their sadness.

Tommy Rainey, Dumbarton councillor told the Reporter: "We express our sincere condolences to the families of the men that were killed, and we hope that the other passenger makes a speedy recovery."

Ian Murray, Dumbarton councillor added: "My thoughts go out the family and their loss in such a tragic way."