A Highland lorry driver killed in an accident in Fife was described by his family last night as a “true gentleman”.
Robert Maclellan died after being struck by a passing vehicle while his truck was parked in a layby.
The 65-year-old had stepped out of the cab of his lorry after stopping next to the A92 Dunfermline-Dundee road between Crossgates and Cowdenbeath.
Police are still investigating the accident and officers have appealed to witnesses to come forward.
Mr Maclellan, who lived at the Meikle Ferry Caravan Park near Tain, had worked for the town’s Bannerman Transport for more than 36 years.
In a statement, Mr Maclellan’s family said: “We are heartbroken by our loss. We knew him as Bobby and his friends knew him as Freddie, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
“He was an old school trucker and true gentleman who loved his job and was known and respected throughout the country.”
Mr Maclellan’s colleagues said they had been left in shock by the news of his death.
Bannerman’s transport manager, James Manson, said: “He worked for us for more than 36 years. He was a very good and reliable employee.
“All the drivers have been devastated by the news and we have had phone calls from ex-drivers from around the world saying how shocked they are and offering their condolences.
“The drivers are all very close and all help each other out. The length of time Bobby had been here means that he knew people up and down the country.”
He added that Mr Maclellan was a long-distance driver, who would start his trips on Mondays and return on Friday nights.
Local councillor Alasdair Rhind said that the accident had been a “terrible shock” to Mr Maclellan’s friends.
Fife-based Sergeant Colin Morrison, of Police Scotland’s road policing division, said: “We are still investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“However, I would like to thank the occupants of a small black car who we appealed to contact us, and who came forward shortly after the media issued our appeal.”