A fatal accident inquiry will be launched into the death of a school bus driver who died in a three-vehicle crash on a north-east road late last year.
Ian Fordyce, 68, sustained fatal injuries in the collision, which took place at about 7.45am on South Deeside Road on December 15, 2017, close to Maryculter Bridge.
Mr Fordyce, affectionately known as “Fingers” to his friends and family, had been driving a bus full of pupils to Lathallan School in Johnshaven.
None of the children, or anyone else involved in the smash – which also involved a red Audi A5 and a white lorry – suffered serious injuries.
Following a lengthy investigation into the incident, last night a spokesman for the Crown Office said no criminality was established, and a fatal accident inquiry will be held in the future.
He said: “The death of Ian Fordyce was fully investigated by the specialist Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU) within the Crown Office.
“After careful consideration, Crown Counsel have concluded, based on the available evidence, that there will be no criminal proceedings brought as a result of this death.
“Should additional evidence come to light that decision may be reconsidered.
“As this death occurred as a result of an accident in the course of employment, a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.
“This will be held in due course.”
The family of Mr Fordyce, who was from the Dundee area, said after the crash: “He drove coaches for 40 years and loved every minute of it.
“He will be a sorely missed brother, father, grandfather and friend.”