A motorcyclist who was airlifted from the scene of a horror smash at the weekend could be in hospital for more than two months.
Cesar Neves was badly injured when his machine and a car collided on the outskirts of Fraserburgh. He was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by air ambulance and underwent surgery to repair damage to his leg.
The 47-year-old Portuguese builder, who stays at Sandhaven, near Fraserburgh, was described by neighbours as a “fine man” who loved to take his bike out in good weather.
Sunday’s accident happened in Maconochie Road, Fraserburgh. Mr Neves’s white Suzuki bike was destroyed and the front of the green Volkswagen Golf car involved in the smash was also badly damaged, although the driver was uninjured.
Last night, a relative of Mr Neves said members of his family were at his bedside in hospital.
He said: “He is still quite unwell but he should recover, but the doctors said he could be in hospital for two or three months.
“He’s had surgery on his leg and might need more on his back but he was wearing a leather suit and a helmet, which helped.
“He had no damage to his brain or fractures to his skull, but it was still a very bad crash.”
Local campaigners said the crash underlined the need for extra safety measures on the main route into Fraserburgh.
A police spokeswoman said: “The motorcyclist remains in hospital and, while his injuries are still being described as serious, there is nothing to suggest they will be life-threatening.
“We would now appeal for anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw either the white Suzuki motorbike or the green Golf to come forward and speak to us.”
Fraserburgh and District councillor Charles Buchan said the crash highlighted the need for action to make the area safer for motorists and pedestrians.
He added that moves were being made aimed at reducing the speed limit in Maconochie Road from 40mph to 30mph.