Last night relatives of the two Aberdeen scientists said their deaths had been caused by a “tragic accident” – but insisted action needed to be taken over the dangerous stretch of road.
Dr Rhind – who was world-renowned for his work on animal reproduction – and environmental biogeochemist Dr Dawson were both based at the James Hutton Institute agricultural research centre.
Father-of-two Dr Rhind, of Westhill, worked internationally and had collaborated with teams in the US and Australia on animal research issues in the months leading up to the tragedy.
His death was described as an “immense loss to Scottish and world science”.
The 61-year-old’s wife, June, and daughters, Joanna and Sarah, were all in court for yesterday’s sentence.
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Rhind said action was required to upgrade the accident black spot.
She said: “It was a tragic accident that has affected many lives. Someone needs to look at that junction.”
Dr Dawson completed his PhD at Aberdeen University before going on to work on a broad range of soil and water-related research projects.
The 42-year-old, from the Aberdeen area, later joined the James Hutton Institute as an environmental biogeochemist, focusing his research on biogeochemical and hydro-logical processes in riverine catchment systems.
Dr Dawson’s wife Effie was also in court yesterday.
Following the sentence a family friend said: “She is very thankful that the whole thing has passed now and wants to put it behind her.
“It has been a very difficult time, a tragic time for everyone concerned.”
Staff at the Hutton Institute described the pair as “valued and respected colleagues”.