A MOTORCYCLIST killed in a horrific crash on Orkney was an award-winning coach driver.
Alexander Watson died when his bike and two vans were involved in a collision on the Churchill Barriers road.
Last night police were still investigating the accident and renewed their appeal for witnesses.
Mr Watson, 52, who was known as Sandy, worked for Moray-based coach firm Maynes of Buckie.
His wife Vicki said yesterday that friends’ sympathy messages were a huge comfort to her and added in a post on a social networking site: “I loved this daft man with all my heart and will miss him more than I can say.”
Shocked staff at Maynes also paid tribute to a “much-loved workmate”.
Company director David Mayne said: “We are lost for words. He was a valued member of our company and our driving team.
“Sandy will be sorely missed. He was a character and customers young and old gave nothing but positive feedback on him.
“He loved it in Orkney and decided to move there.”
Mr Mayne added: “It has been a big shock to everyone throughout our company, from the admin staff to those in the workshop, and our thoughts are with his family.”
A former colleague in Orkney described Mr Watson as “a character who loved to tell jokes”.
Friends also paid tribute online.
Gordon McKenna said: “RIP Sandy Watson. Gonna miss you, small but with a big heart and loadsa fun to be around.”
And Alexandra Millar said: “RIP Sandy Watson, another one taken too soon.”
Mr Watson, who was originally from Fife, had won national recognition for his driving.
He was a runner-up in the UK Coach Driver of the Year last year in the awards organised by the Guild of British Coach Operators.
Shortly after winning the award, he moved to Orkney permanently with his wife and worked for local firm J&V Coaches.
He spent just nine months with the company before rejoining Maynes in January. He was due to drive for the Buckie firm this summer.
Police said the two vans and motorbike involved in the accident were travelling north when the accident happened.
Mr Watson was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood he was thrown from his machine and landed on the concrete blocks which make up the barriers, built during World War II as naval defences. The barriers, which carry the A961 Kirkwall-South Ronaldsay road, were closed until after midnight following the accident – which happened shortly before teatime on Wednesday – to allow specialist police officers to investigate the scene.
Conditions in the area were foggy at the time and visibility was poor.