A Skye man who died after he was hit by a bus in Glasgow has been described as “one of the best”.
John Robertson was knocked down on Argyll Street on Monday.
The 39-year-old was originally from Skye but worked in procurement at hospitals across Glasgow. Devastated colleagues described him as fun and hardworking, remembering how he kept peoples’ spirits up during lockdown.
Now his family have paid tribute, saying their hearts are broken.
Mr Robertson was the son of Professor Boyd Robertson, the former chairman of NHS Highland and the principal of Sabhal Mor Ostaig UHI.
His brothers James – who founded the Isle of Skye Candle Company – and Ronald said he was a friend to many and lived his life to the full, “never wasting a second”.
‘He was so proud of us and we of him’
In a statement, the brothers said life without John will never be the same.
They wrote: “We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support following the death of our brother John in a road accident on Monday morning.
“He was the most amazing big brother to us both and the best son to our Mum and Dad, Sheila and Boyd. He was so proud of us and we of him.
“He had so many close friends, far too many to mention, but he was an especially well-known and popular character in the traditional west coast music scene (despite not playing a single instrument).
“Anyone who ever met John will describe a fun-loving, kind, warm and generous person. He lived life to the fullest and never wasted a second. Many hearts, like ours, we know are broken and will never truly be full again. Our lives won’t be the same without John but everyone’s kind words are so comforting to the family.”
Keen hillwalker and music lover
In April Mr Robertson climbed to the Everest Base Camp, where he displayed a headband from his favourite band Trail West.
The traditional music band has cancelled a gig in Portree this weekend in tribute to Mr Robertson, who they described as “our chief roadie”.
In a post online, the band wrote: “We are all absolutely devastated to have lost one of our closest friends; our chief roadie and one of the best people we’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, John Robertson.
“John’s loss has affected so many people.
“He was an amazing character who was loved by so many. He lit up every room and so many of our events won’t be the same without him there along with us.
“There’s so much more that could be said; at the moment we are all stunned and coming to terms with such a terrible loss.”
The post continued: “We’ve thought long and hard about this weekend’s show in Skye and we just don’t feel right at the thought of being on stage, especially in Skye, where John spent a lot of his time.
“Our thoughts are with Boyd, Sheila, James, Raghnall and all of John’s friends and family at this very difficult time.”
A true ‘Highland gentleman’
Friends described Mr Robertson as a “Highland gentleman”.
Tom Burnett wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely devastating news. He was so much fun to be around and was such a generous and warm friend.”
Iona MacLean wrote: “So sad. Such shocking news of a dear friend to so many people.
“A true Highland gentleman. Our thoughts are with John’s family and all his close friends.”
Mairi McGillivray posted: “Completely heartbreaking, John was a truly fun loving big character and loved so much by so many. He will be missed by all and remembered in everyone’s thoughts and stories of him! A’ smaoineachadh oirbh uile.”
Morag Bradley, who works at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, said: “Was so shocked to hear about John.
“What a great guy, and the Jubilee will never be the same again without a visit from John.
“He was my trainer when I started and what laughs we had and what patience he had. ”
Alastair Asty Campbell wrote: “It’s just so hard to believe that John has been taken at such an early age. He was one of the nicest people anyone could meet, always had that big smile on his face whenever you saw him.
“Condolences to his family through the band and thinking of you all at this difficult time.”
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