Armadale death: Tributes pour in for West Lothian dad of two as police probe 'targeted attack'
Tributes have poured in for ‘diamond in the rough’ as police search scene of burnt out car
Tributes are being paid to a West Lothian man who was found dead following a “targeted” attack at a property in Armadale.
Emergency crews, including an air ambulance from Glasgow, raced to Harestanes Road in Armadale on Saturday morning (September 12) but were unable to save the injured man, who has been named locally as 35-year-old dad of two Billy Watson. His next of kin has been informed.
In a comment on social media, his daughter said: “Rest easy dad, you were beyond loved and you will always be loved, forever in our hearts.”
Locals were quick to send their condolences, with one commenter saying they had “always seen him about with a smile” and another calling him “a young life taken far too soon”.
Another friend said Mr Watson was a “diamond in the rough”.
They added: “Canny believe it or get that big smile of yours out of my head cracking jokes and winding me up.
“Keep dancing in the sky my friend, love you and will cherish our memories we made, love you Billy boy.”
Detectives have launched a major investigation into his death, which is understood to still be in its early stages and a post-mortem is yet to take place.
One line of inquiry is understood to be that the fatal incident involved a firearm. Police are also “keeping an open mind” about whether a series of fires in the area are linked to the incident.
Officers received a report of a car on fire nearby in the Netherhouses area, near to Armadale, at around midday on Saturday before being made aware of another massive blaze at a derelict property on Wotherspoon Road. The derelict home on the site of the former The Sacred Heart & St Anthony church located in Armadale is believed to have been empty for around three years now.
Crew from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) extinguished both fires and no one was injured. Police remain at the property on Harestanes Road, which has now reopened following the incident.
A police cordon remains in place around the house as forensic teams and other units continue to work on the investigation.
Officers in white overalls were seen at the scene on Sunday, September 13, looking for evidence outside a property.
Northrigg Road remains closed at the Stonerigg railway bridge as police, with police dogs searching the area where the burned out car was reported.
Police dogs were previously seen at the Harestane Road property and locals have also sighted police drones taking flight above both areas.
Police Scotland has said that initial enquiries have pointed towards the attack being targeted. Mr Watson’s death is being treated as “suspicious” with a port mortem set to take place to determine his cause of death.
Detective Superintendent Michelle Findlay, of the Major Investigations Team, said: “Our enquiries have indicated this attack was targeted. Extensive enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of what has happened. This includes door-to-door enquiries in the local area as well as a detailed review of all available CCTV footage.
Those with by CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area are being asked to come forward to assist with the investigation, with DS Findlay adding: “If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, please let us know, it could be vital to our ongoing enquiries.”
Superintendent Jocelyn Thomson said: "I understand people will be concerned about these incidents and a significant police presence remains in the area. However, this has been a targeted attack, and a team of experienced officers is working on the case.
“I have every confidence that they will find out who has committed this crime. Additional patrols will be in the area and anyone with concerns can approach these officers.”
Police are yet to charge anyone in connection with Saturday morning’s incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1361 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.