Friends pay tribute after city biker is killed in car smash

Published on Monday 5 May 2008 10:37

FRIENDS paid tribute today to a motorcyclist killed in a crash with a car in the Capital.

Gordon Strachan, 24, of Bruntsfield Place, was riding his black motorbike south in Saughton Road North when it collided with a blue Fiat at the junction with Tyler's Acre Avenue about 6.10pm on Friday.

Mr Strachan was rushed to the city's ERI hospital but died of his injuries last night.

The 24-year-old, a pizza delivery driver, was in the process of saving up for a trip across the US on a motorbike.

Police chiefs today issued a fresh appeal for anyone who noticed the motorcyclist before the collision to come forward.

And friends of Mr Strachan, thought to be a graduate of Heriot-Watt University, today paid tribute to him on his Bebo website.

One poster, under the name of Simon Strain, said: "Like everyone else I just can't believe it. Friends since we were seven years old and now you're gone.

"I'm so sorry mate, so sorry you're gone. I hope you've found peace." Another comment, from Elaine Cameron Penman, said: "Gordon you were a wee star honey.

"Your passing will leave a huge void for all your family and close friends."

Craig Russell said he was "shellshocked". He said: "Your presence livened up the west side of Edinburgh as I am sure it did in Sauchie and at Heriot-Watt. A huge loss. It won't be the same without you.

"My thoughts to the family."

A doctor and another man, thought to be a firefighter, gave the motorcyclist first aid before paramedics arrived on the scene.

The driver of the car stopped to help and is helping the police with their inquiries.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to speak to anyone – motorist or pedestrian – who was in the area and saw what happened.

"We know that the motorcyclist travelled through Corstorphine High Street towards the accident scene, and we ask that anyone who saw the black motorbike in that area at the time to get in touch.

"We also want to speak to those motorists who were in a moving queue of traffic on Saughton Road North and noticed the motorcyclist immediately prior to the collision, and who left the scene shortly afterwards, perhaps not realising the severity of the incident.

"In particular, we want to speak to a taxi driver driving a black cab who we know was in this queue of traffic area at the time, as well as another motorist."