Tributes paid to 'gentle' bus driver who died in 'assault' in Moray

Tributes have been paid to a bus driver who died after allegedly being attacked at a station in Moray.

Stagecoach bus driver Keith Rollinson was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital after being allegedly assaulted in the St Giles Road area of Elgin at around 10.40pm on Friday night.

The 58-year-old was later pronounced dead.

A 15-year-old male youth was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday.

Online tributes have been paid to the “gentle and caring” bus driver, and a fundraiser has been launched by his colleagues in an effort to help his family cover funeral costs.

Kirsty Robson, a driver with Stagecoach, wrote on the GoFundMe: “Keith has only been with us for a little under two years, but boy did he make an impression on us all. He was a private, gentle caring man with a wicked sense of humour.

“We are all truly shocked and saddened that this could happen.

“The funds will be donated directly to his family to help with anything that they may need….Funeral costs etc.
I have been asked by the Local Committee and fellow employees to create this page.”

Moray Council leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said she was “shocked and saddened” by the incident, and encouraged anyone with any information to contact the relevant authorities.

She said: “I am shocked and saddened by the incident at Elgin bus station over the weekend. My thoughts are with Mr Rollinson’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“The council is supporting those affected and working closely with the police to assist them with their enquiries and their assurances to the public. Our education teams are working with schools to support our young people, who may have been affected by the effect of the incident.

“We’ll continue to work with all organisations to support where we can and I encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the police on 101 or make anonymous tips to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Fellow bus operator, McGill’s Buses, said: “Our thoughts go to the family, friends and colleagues of Stagecoach driver Keith Rollinson who died in such tragic circumstances this weekend.

“Nobody should go to work and not come home again.”