Mason Neal, 11, passed away at Caithness General Hospital on January 1.
A headteacher has paid tribute to a “popular” and “polite” Scots schoolboy who suddenly died on New Year’s Day.
Mason Neal, 11, passed away at Caithness General Hospital on January 1. He had been rushed to the hospital via ambulance after becoming unwell at his home in Staxigoe near Wick.
Mason had been a primary seven pupil at the town’s Noss Primary School. Following his untimely death, his head teacher Fraser Thomson has remembered him as a “kind, polite and popular” schoolboy.
A statement from Mr Thomson reads: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Mason Neale, one of our P7 pupils. Mason was a kind, polite and popular pupil and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this loss. Support is available for any pupils or staff who may need it during this difficult time.”
Mason’s heartbroken mum, Lucy, confirmed the tragedy on social media last week. Writing online, she described Mason as her “loving, caring, bright, cheeky” and “handsome little man”.
A post reads: “Reality hasn’t sunk in yet. To say I’m devastated, heartbroken and utterly destroyed doesn’t even come close to how I, how we are feeling. On the 1st of January 2026, we said goodbye to our boy, my Mason, as he closed his eyes for the last time.
“It makes no sense to be sitting here writing this, but, as the messages have been flowing in and everyone who knew and loved him best have been informed of his passing, I just wanted to write a note to everyone to thank you for your support during this unthinkable time, and that I appreciate the messages and will try to reply to everyone as soon as I can, but for now we’re processing our loss.
“For now hold your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer, for my loving, caring, bright, cheeky handsome little man, Mason. 4,322 days with you will never be enough, my Mason – I want you back, we want you back! Love you more. Forever 11.”
The local community has since stepped in to support Mason’s family. An online fundraiser to support Lucy has since surpassed donations of over £14,000.
A statement on the GoFundMe reads: “A small group of us in the Staxigoe community would like to raise money to support a grieving, local family. Mason Neal, age 11 suddenly died on New Year’s Day.
“His mum, Lucy and big sister Phoebe are devastated and need our support to help them on this tragic journey.”
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mason’s death. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A statement from Police Scotland reads: “Around 11.10am on Thursday, 1 January 2026, police were called to report that a young boy had taken unwell in Staxigoe, outside Wick. He was taken by ambulance to Caithness General Hospital where he died later in the day. His family is aware.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Donate to the online fundraiser here.
