'Much-loved family man' killed in Bathgate hit-and-run

He was a father of two who lived locally.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The victim of a fatal hit-and-run near Bathgate on Sunday night has been named.

George Robertson, 53, was walking home from Bathgate to Torphichen when he was hit by a car which did not stop.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ‘much-loved’ father of two was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but died a short time later.

Inspector Houston holds a photograph of George Robertson at the scene of the crash. Picture: Michael Gillen/JPIMediaInspector Houston holds a photograph of George Robertson at the scene of the crash. Picture: Michael Gillen/JPIMedia
Inspector Houston holds a photograph of George Robertson at the scene of the crash. Picture: Michael Gillen/JPIMedia

His family, including two school-age children, have been left devastated.

The incident occurred some time between 10.15pm and 11pm on Sunday September 20, on the B792 just south of Torphichen.

Mr Robertson was found by several drivers passing by, including an off-duty police officer on her way home who attempted to save his life at the scene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police are appealing for information about the incident, especially anyone who may have seen a dark-coloured vehicle with collision damage in the area around that time.

George RobertsonGeorge Robertson
George Robertson

It is not yet known which direction the car was travelling in.

There is no indication the car veered off course, and officers said that while the road is very dark with no street lighting the night of the crash was clear with no rain.

The speed of the car at the time has not yet been determined. It sustained minor “cosmetic” damage in the collision, with some debris left at the scene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Robertson had been returning home to Torphichen after visiting friends in Bathgate in the evening, along the 2.5 mile stretch of pavemented road between the two places.

George Robertson was walking home along the B792 towards Torphichen. Picture: Michael Gillen.George Robertson was walking home along the B792 towards Torphichen. Picture: Michael Gillen.
George Robertson was walking home along the B792 towards Torphichen. Picture: Michael Gillen.

A full-time working professional, Mr Robertson was born in the area and had lived locally his whole life.

Read More
Mum of two demands justice after almost being killed by falling masonry on busy ...

Officers have issued a personal appeal to the driver of the car which hit Mr Robertson to come forward.

Inspector Peter Houston from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “George Robertson, otherwise known to his friends as “Mojo”, was a ‘much loved family man’ and his family, friends and work colleagues have been left devastated by this tragic incident.

Inspector Houston has appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Picture: Michael Gillen.Inspector Houston has appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Inspector Houston has appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am making an appeal directly to the driver of the vehicle involved to please do the right thing and make yourself known to the police. I would also urge anyone with knowledge of who was driving to pass this information on and help us provide answers for George’s family.

“The inquiry team are still looking to speak to anyone who was on the B792 between 10.15pm and 11pm on Sunday night, who may have noticed a man wearing dark clothing walking along. I would also urge anyone who may have seen a dark coloured vehicle, which may have sustained fresh damage, in the area around the time of the collision to make contact with my team.

“Anyone with information or anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which can help the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 4127 of Sunday 20 September.”

In response to queries about whether the driver may not have realised what happened, Mr Houston said : “If a car hits an adult human being the driver would know.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"If anybody thinks they may have hit something or is confused, trying to decide what to do, my appeal would be to come forward and we’ll deal with it, we’ll sort it through.”

A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director