George Robertson: Family’s appeal six months after fatal West Lothian hit and run

The family of a father of two who was killed in a West Lothian hit and run six months ago have spoken of their devastating loss, and appealed for help to finally solve the case - and find the driver responsible.

George Robertson died in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after being hit by a vehicle while walking between Bathgate and Torphichen on the B792 on Sunday, September 20.

The car didn’t stop, and the driver has never been traced.

On the sixth month anniversary of the tragedy, police and Mr Robertson’s family have made a fresh appeal for information.

George Robertson who died after being struck by a car at Torphichen near Bathgate in September 2020

Mr Robertson’s brother, David, said: "George had everything to live for but never got a chance to fulfil his plans he was so excited about. George was robbed of his life and has left a massive black hole in ours.”

And his wife, Tracey, spoke of the impact on their children - a 15-year-old son and 10-year-old girl - who lost their “hero” dad.

She added: “Having no answers or justice for their dad just makes this even harder. "

Police hope the appeal on the anniversary will prompt someone to come forward with information to help them find the driver.

A police image of a Nissan Qashqai similar to the one which fatally struck George Robertson in September 2020

Mr Robertson, 53, was on his way home when he was struck by a vehicle on the B792 on Sunday, 20 September, 2020.

The incident happened at some point between 10.50pm and 10.55pm.

Despite extensive enquiries, the car and driver have yet to be traced.

Officers are looking for a dark coloured Nissan Qashqai registered around early 2017.

The vehicle will have no roof bars or sunroof fitted and would have sustained damage to specific areas underneath. It is also believed to be fitted with 17 inch standard silver alloy wheels.

Inspector Peter Houston, senior investigating officer, said : "The vehicle would have been due an MOT recently, and its owner or driver may have attempted to get specific underbody areas of the car repaired.

We are keen to speak to any mechanics who have worked on any such vehicles. We will be able to rule out any cars not involved very quickly.

“I’d also like to speak to anyone who works in a garage or vehicle parts business who may have seen this car or has been approached by persons wishing to buy Nissan Qashqai underbody parts.”Urging people to come forward, he added: We have a grieving family still looking for an explanation and answers before they can begin to move on with their lives without George."

Mr Robertson’s closest relatives also urged people to think back to last September in a bid to unlock the case.

David added: “Did they had a visit from England, Wales or Ireland from a family member or a friend, a business who had work done over that period with their company from a company outside Scotland, a traveling rep or a traveling worker/technician who would have traveled home late that night?

"Whoever they are, they have absolutely no thought, feelings or an ounce of remorse for the total carnage they have left in my family’s lives.

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"They have left my mother without her youngest son, whose grief has now gone to another stage of immense sadness in her life that will never die until the day she can be at rest with George and my dad.

"They left his two beautiful children without a dad, who throughout their lives will never have that father figure to look up to, to advise, to guide and help them in whatever life they chose to pursue.

"They have left his older brothers without a wee brother - a brother who lit up the room with his smile, never had a bad word to say about whatever life flung at him, who was always there when you needed him, from a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand whenever or wherever you needed his help and loved a good beer and crack whilst we put the world to wright.

"They have left aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and workmates with massive holes in their lives that will never be filled by his smiling personality and honest warmth for life.”

David said his feelings towards the driver had also hardened over the past six months as the family waited for a breakthrough.

He said: “I had no feelings about that person responsible for the accident that killed George that horrible night - that is until now.

"Hate is a strong word, but a word that now seems to sum up my feelings for taking George from me, my family and his own loving family’s lives.

“I hate the thought that this individual can live a life without responsibility for their actions, or lack of actions, that cold Sunday night. “And addressing the driver, he said: “You are still living your life, nothing can bring George back to us but please think about what your lack of actions that Sunday night caused.

"Whoever you are come forward, take the punishment you deserve.

“You will still live your life with whatever punishment you get, unlike George’s family and children who will be living with your actions everyday of our life’s for the rest of our life’s.

"Please come forward, admit what you did and maybe we will have some small closure for family and George.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 4127 of Sunday 20 September 2020. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be provided anonymously.

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