The relatives of four people killed in a crash in Scotland have said the effects “will be felt far and wide”.

The family were driving on the A82 north of Fort William on Thursday when their Mini Cooper collided with a Ford Fiesta.

Police have named the victims as Gemma Cousin, 26, Rhys Cousin, 25, and their daughters, Peyton and Heidi, aged three and one respectively.

A statement from their close relatives described the deaths as “utterly devastating”.

It said: “Both families are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Gemma, Rhys, Peyton and Heidi. They were a young family with so much to look forward to. To have their lives cut short so suddenly and in such circumstances is utterly devastating.

“As a young couple Gemma and Rhys worked really hard to provide a loving, secure and safe home and family life for their girls who they were totally devoted to. They were known by many with both families being extended and their loss will be felt far and wide.

“Due to the horrific circumstances we would like to thank the emergency services and everyone who was involved on the night. We would also like to thank everyone for the support we continue to receive.

“As a family, we now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the loss of Rhys, Gemma, Peyton and Heidi.”

Police are trying to establish the circumstances of the crash and have appealed for anyone to come forward if they witnessed the collision on the road at Torlundy at 5.30pm on Thursday.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the incident number 2942 of 20 February.

The 56-year-old driver of the Ford Fiesta was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.