Tributes to 'great guy' lorry driver who died in crash on M77

Tributes have been paid to a man who died after a tracker unit and trailer crashed on the M77.

Tom Meikle was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the motorway’s merge with the M8 on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old was the driver of the Scania Heavy Tractor Unit, which was carrying a load of timber.

Police are investigating whether he took unwell before the crash.

Cowdenbeath Racewall was among those to pay tribute to Tom.

“All of us at the Racewall were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Tam Meikle, following a tragic accident on Tuesday.

“Tam was a familiar face around the Racewall who raced for several years in the BriSCA F2 Stock Cars, always taking pride in turning out a smartly prepared and competitive car.

“Tam very much enjoyed his racing on track as well as the camaraderie off it and will be much missed by his friends in the racing community. We send our condolences to Tam’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”

Another well-wisher remembered Tom as a “great guy” who always “had time for a blether”.

Another added: “Absolutely devastated to read this Tam. You were a very good friend of the family. You’ll be up there racing stock cars with your auld pal.”

Sergeant Fraser McEwan said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Meikle’s family and friends at this time. Enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the crash, however, one line of enquiry is that Tom took ill within the tractor.

“A number of road closures had to be put in place following this crash to allow for an investigation to take place and the load to be recovered. All roads were reopened at 5.25am this morning.

“We would ask anyone who witnessed this crash and has yet to speak with police to please contact us. Anyone with relevant dash-came footage is also asked to come forward.

“If you can help, please contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2508 of September 30.”