'Devastated' family of biker killed in Borders crash pays tribute to 'beloved papa'

Family members of a motorcyclist who was killed in a car crash in the Borders say they have been left “devastated” by his death.

Brian Wilson was described as a “much-loved husband, father, father-in-law and papa” after the 60-year-old, from Newtongrange, was killed in the crash with the Mini near the junction of Pirn Road and Horsburgh Street between Innerleithen and Walkerburn on Saturday.

A man has since been charged with a number of alleged road traffic offences in connection with the incident, but officers have launched a further bid for witnesses.

The 46-year-old appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday while a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mr Wilson’s family said: “We are utterly devastated by the tragic loss of our much loved husband, father, father-in-law and papa.

“He has been taken from us far too soon and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Officers say they are particularly keen to trace any drivers with dashboard-mounted cameras who were in the area at the time and may have captured the crash on film.

Police were forced to close the road for more than six hours following the collision shortly after 3:50pm.

The driver of the Mini and a female passenger were uninjured.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with Mr Wilson’s family and friends.

“I’d like to thank those who stopped at the scene to assist and to those who have already provided statements to police, however, we would still urge anyone who witnessed the crash and who has not yet come forward to contact us.

“We are keen to hear from drivers, especially those with dash-cam footage who were on the A72 around the time, to get in touch with any information that may feel is relevant to our investigation.”

He added: “Please call Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 2322 of Saturday, April 23, 2022.”