Motorcyclist who died following collision with car is named by police
'He was always a good laugh and brought so much light to everyone around him'
Last updated 30th Apr 2025
Police have named a motorcyclist who died following a collision with a car in the Scottish Borders at the weekend - as officers issue an appeal for information.
Stuart Brandon Donald, from Tranent in East Lothian, was riding his bike on the back road between Lauder and Galashiels when the tragedy unfolded, around 3.45pm on Saturday.
Emergency services raced to the Langshaw area after the alarm was raised but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paying tribute online, the 26-year-old's brother, Ryan Donald, said he was "heartbroken" - adding: "He (Stuart) was always a good laugh and brought so much light to everyone around him. We’re all still trying to process this huge loss."
The road was closed for almost six hours while crash investigators examined the scene and the wreckage was cleared.
The driver of the car - a Nissan X-Trail - escaped injury.
Road Policing Sergeant Michael Shillington said: “Our thoughts are with Stuart’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We continue to keep them updated while our enquiries continue.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far and would urge anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dash-cam footage of the area at the time, and has not already spoken to us, to contact police.”
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It's the latest in a series of crashes on our roads in recent weeks, which have involved motorcycles - and third fatality in two months.
A 58-year-old man died following a motorcycle crash on the B6357 near Saughtree on April 6th.
The tragedy unfolded just hours before the speed limit on the road was reduced from 60 to 50mph as part of an 18-month trial aimed at reducing the number of serious and fatal crashes, although it's unclear if speed was a factor on this occasion.
And, on March 19th, a 70-year-old man died after his bike was involved in a collision with a lorry and a car on the A68 at Earlston.
Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2156 of April 26th.
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