TRIBUTES are being paid to a former Royal Marine after he was killed in a tragic tree-cutting incident.

37-year-old Chris Moses was carrying out tree surgeon work in Rhu, Dumbartonshire when he died.

Chris, from Cardross, had recently pursued a new career in education after he served for 13 years, touring in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as embarking a teaching career, he also ran a tree surgery firm called Easy as One Two Tree. He was a member of the Arboricultural Association and was working towards becoming an Approved Contractor.

The webpage states: “Whilst serving, he completed his tree surgery qualifications and has been working for various people since then. He loves nothing better than working hard and completing challenging tree work.”

Vale of Leven Academy headteacher Matthew Boyle said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Chris and everyone in the school is finding this difficult to comprehend.

“The thoughts of our whole school community are with Chris’ family and friends at this devastating time."

“Chris had been working at the academy for almost a year, initially as a student and then as a probationer.

“He was bright, cheerful, and passionate about his new career in teaching and his chosen subject, maths.

“He was a lovely man and will be missed both by colleagues and the pupils he worked with across the school.

“We’ve held assemblies in school for each year group today to pass on the sad news and our pastoral care team is on hand for any young person who needs support, and we’re also working closely with staff to support them.”

The death is being treated as non-suspicious and a report is being submitted to the procurator fiscal.