Allan Moir Death; – A newly licensed bus driver responsible for the death of a grandfather in a collision has received a driving ban.
Alan Boyd, 35, collided with Allan Moir, 79, when he maneuvered his McGill’s bus onto tram tracks on the opposite side of the road at Edinburgh’s Haymarket in February of the previous year. Mr. Moir, who was returning home after attending a Hearts match against Dundee United at Tynecastle, succumbed shortly after being placed in an ambulance due to head injuries.
Boyd, residing in Cumbernauld, pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention and was subsequently banned from driving for a period of 24 months by Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Additionally, he was subjected to a six-month supervision order and mandated to complete 240 hours of community service. The court was informed that Boyd was operating the Edinburgh to Falkirk route independently for the second time on February 4, following the completion of his training.
The single-decker bus was proceeding along Atholl Place towards the intersection with Morrison Street around 17:35. It was noted that the bus began to “straddle” both the east and westbound tram lanes before encroaching into the tramway prior to reaching the junction with Grosvenor Street.
Fiscal depute Anna Robertson indicated to the court that the road was distinctly marked as “tram only” with visible paint on the surface. Mr. Moir, a season ticket holder at Tynecastle for approximately 70 years, was attempting to cross the road at a designated pedestrian crossing.
He was scheduled to be picked up nearby by his son for his journey home. As he stepped onto a central island, he checked for oncoming traffic before proceeding onto the road. He was struck by the bus, which was traveling at approximately 16 mph, on its front nearside, causing him to fall to the ground.
Off-duty medical personnel present in the vicinity rushed to assist Mr. Moir and alerted emergency services. He was transported in an ambulance but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Mr. Moir’s family later expressed their gratitude to those who tried to assist him in a public statement. In an interview with police, Boyd expressed his deep remorse for Mr. Moir’s family, stating, “I felt really bad.”
