Family tribute to 'loving grandfather' killed in fatal West Lothian crash

Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 11:59

The family of one of two men killed in a multi-vehicle collision in West Lothian have paid tribute to the "gentle and loving husband, father and grandfather".

Jim McCollum, 84, was pronounced dead at the scene of the three-vehicle crash on the B708 Lower Bathville road in Bathgate on Sunday.

The collision - involving a white BMW 116d, a blue Citroen Saxo, and a blue Peugeot 208 - occurred at about 12.15pm.

Mr McCollum was driving the Peugeot.

The 20-year-old male driver of the BMW, who is yet to be named, also died at the scene of the incident

In a statement issued via Police Scotland on Thursday, Mr McCollum's family said: "Jim was a gentle and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family.

"The family wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene of the crash."

The passenger of the BMW, a 19-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment, and the occupants of the Citroen, a 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were assessed by paramedics at the scene.

The force has not linked the crash to Storm Boelo in its appeals, which at the time was pummelling parts of the UK with gusts of up to 84mph and a third of a month's rain to pockets of Scotland.

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Sergeant Dave Waddell said: "Our thoughts remain with [the] families and friends of the two men who have died, at this difficult time.

"We are continuing to appeal for information and would ask anyone who witnessed the crash, or may have dashcam footage which could assist, to contact us as soon as possible."

Sky News

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