A young Australian hotel worker was tragically killed when she was hit by a car while hitchhiking home with her boyfriend on a Scottish island.

Maddy Rice, 21, had been living and working in Scotland with her partner Joe Perry.

She was enjoying a day off when tragedy struck near the Sligachan Hotel in Skye on Monday.

The couple were believed to be returning home to luxury hotel Kinloch Lodge in Sleat, where Maddy worked front-of-house.

Staff have been left "utterly devastated" by the young woman's death.

Isabella Macdonald, director of Kinloch Lodge, said: "It is absolutely heartbreaking.

"We are all utterly devastated at the tragic and sudden loss of Maddy.

"She was devoted to her wonderful partner, Joe, and our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to him and her family.

"She was a wonderful and beautiful person as well as being an incredibly hard-working member of our team and we will miss her greatly."

Maddy is understood to be from Noosa in Queensland, Australia, while Joe is originally from Auckland, New Zealand.

Since travelling to the UK, she is believed to have worked as a beauty therapist in London, before moving to Skye to work at the hotel.

The accident happened on the A87, the main road cutting across the island near the Sligachan Hotel at 1.15am.

Maddy was hit by a Vauxhall car and the man driving the vehicle was uninjured.

Joe updated his Facebook cover photo on Monday with a picture of himself and Maddy.

Several people have left messages of sympathy on the post.

Dan Hannay said: "Joe mate I'm so sorry brother."

And CJ Findlay wrote: "Chin up brother! We all love ya dude, and everyone's thinking about you!"

A police spokesman said: "A 21-year-old woman pedestrian sustained fatal injuries following a collision with a Vauxhall car. The male driver of the car was uninjured.

"The road was closed whilst inquiries into the incident continued.

"Anyone who has information that could assist officers with their inquiries into the collision should contact Police Scotland on 101."

Skye councillor John Gordon said: "It's sad that a young couple on a day off from work would end in such tragedy and it's hard to comprehend what her family are going through so far from here in Australia, but our thoughts and prayers are with them."

And fellow councillor Drew Millar said: "I heard there was a couple of people walking on the road. There is a little quarry about a quarter of a mile from Sligachan Hotel, I believe that is where it happened.

"It is another tragedy on Skye. In the last three weeks now two young people have been killed on the roads, in different circumstances, but with the same tragic end.

"The scene of the latest accident is on a good bit of road, the road has recently been resurfaced."

Three weeks ago 24-year-old Kirsty Johnston, from Portree, was killed on the A87 Kyle to Uig road.

She was cut free from the wreckage of the vehicle by fire fighters and airlifted to hospital but died later.

Heartbroken friends took to Facebook today to pay tribute to the tragic hotel worker.

Jade Skye wrote: "Since finding out this morning, it's all I've thought about all day.

"RIP Maddy Rice, such a terrible loss of such a beautiful angel.

"Those who knew you are truly blessed, I am so glad to have called you a friend.

"My thoughts and love is with your beautiful family. Fly High Angel "

And pal Phil North wrote: "RIP Maddy Rice your beautiful smile and soul will be missed"

Kristelle Russell, who lives in Maddy's hometown in Australia, said she was "heartbroken" to hear about the loss of "such a beautiful soul".

Sam Schooth, also from Noosa, wrote: "Maddy Rice you were one lovely lady!

"You always believed in me and had faith in me!

"You were always a great friend! Will miss your beautiful smile; spread your wings and fly high! I will truly miss you!"

And Nathan Fraser said: "I never thought I'd ever have to say this, rest in peace Maddy Rice. You will be forever loved and never forgotten, fly high Angel!"