Carnoustie is in mourning following the death of a well-known businessman in a motorbike accident.
Police named businessman David Murray (66) as the biker who died in Friday’s collision with a blue Vauxhall Vectra on the A94 near Meigle.
The haulier the managing director of David Murray Transport Ltd at Panbride Works was described as a leading light in the local community, supporting good causes and never looking for any recognition.
His family have described him as a fun-loving but hard-working person who was ”one of a kind.”
The 66-year-old father-of-two struck out on his own in 1987 when he purchased his first vehicle and slowly grew his business to become one of the area’s best-known hauliers. The firm has contracts with many high-profile local firms such as Strathmore Water.
Mr Murray’s wife of 43 years Margaret (66), daughter Wendy Devlin (42) and son-in-law Gary Devlin (44) are all directors of the firm. He is also survived by son David (41) and grandchildren Kerrie (17), Daniel (15), Sean (13) and Kier (9).
Daughter Wendy said: ”My dad was such a hard worker it was 24/7. He just never stopped. His bikes were his only bit of fun that and his time with the family.
”He was a character. Everybody that knew him would remember him. He was just one of a kind.”
Mr Murray had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and was due to go on a run to Oban. He had gone to wear in some new tyres when the accident happened.
Wendy added: ”It was a road he knew like the back of his hand.”
Mary Bushnell, chairwoman of Carnoustie Gala Committee, said: ”He was a great supporter of the gala committee and we are all devastated. He was very quiet in his own way and didn’t look for any recognition whatsoever he did it because he loved it.
”He never, ever refused to help. He loved the town and put a lot back.
”There are a lot of people that won’t realise just how much he contributed to Carnoustie.
”Every year he provided the lorries for the gala day and would allow us to come down to the yard to decorate them.
”I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to go to for advice he was just a brilliant person.”
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Mr Murray, an avid fan of Scottish music, was delighted when he was approached to help sponsor the Carnoustie and District Pipe Band.
Secretary Andy Brown said: ”We’re all very devastated by the news. The modern phrase would be ‘gutted’.
”He loved the bagpipes and was a tremendous supporter of Carnoustie and District Pipe Band.
”He travelled with us and one of his proudest moments was leading the band down Crieff High Street at this year’s Highland Games.
”If it hadn’t been for his generous sponsorship there might not be a Carnoustie and District Pipe Band.
”He loved life and he loved being at the centre of things. He will be very sadly missed.”
This year Mr Murray joined the Courier’s Fight for Fairer Fuel campaign after hitting out at the crippling price rises.
Born in Dundee, Mr Murray also known as ”The Bowf” was raised in and around Kirriemuir.
He met Margaret at East Banchory Farm by Coupar Angus before they were married at Dundee Registry Office.
After serving two years in the Army, he began working as a goods driver with a number of local firms before striking out on his own.
Mr Murray is the second prominent businessman from Tayside to be killed in a motorcycle accident in the space of a month following the death of Perthshire soft fruit farmer David Arnot.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of Friday’s crash, which happened at the junction with the unclassified Kirkinch Road around 1.25pm.
The car driver has been released from hospital. However, two passengers are still being treated for their injuries at Ninewells Hospital.
Officers are keen to trace the driver of a silver car travelling west on the A94, who may have seen the motorcycle before the collision.