A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a bus driver in Elgin. Keith Rollinson, 58, died at Dr Gray’s Hospital in the Moray town following an alleged assault at the bus station in the St Giles Road area on Friday night. The accused, who’s from the Moray area but cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.
Unite, the union representing workers, has called for stronger legal protection for bus drivers after the tragic incident. “The appalling news that Mr Rollinson died has shaken our union to its core,” commented Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “We want to express our deep and sincere condolences to Mr Rollinson’s family at this unbearably difficult time.” The union highlighted the issue of bus drivers regularly confronting dangerous incidents, an intolerable occupational hazard for those working late at night and in remote areas.
Stagecoach North Scotland also expressed shock and sadness at the loss of one of its drivers. Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson offered condolences to Mr Rollinson’s family, friends, and colleagues, adding that the council is supporting those affected and working closely with the police to assist them with their enquiries and their assurances to the public. Educational teams are working with schools to provide support to young people potentially affected by the incident.
Flowers have been left as a tribute to Mr Rollinson at the scene of the incident. The accused has been remanded in custody until a future court hearing. The tragic death of Mr Rollinson highlights the danger bus drivers face in their occupations and the need for better protection at work. The case is a reminder of the risks people take every day to fulfil their responsibilities and the importance of ensuring their safety. Our thoughts go out to Mr Rollinson’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time
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