Man (81) dies after being struck by car

Jun 25 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A PENSIONER has died after being hit by a car in Bathgate.

James Edmiston (81) was struck by the vehicle on Edinburgh Road near Bathgate Academy on Monday afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which took place around 2.50pm, to come forward.

Mr Edmiston, of Charles Crescent, Boghall, was struck by a red Daihatsu car, which was travelling west, as he crossed the road.

He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment, but died as a result of his injuries on Monday evening.

The road was closed for around five hours while investigations took place at the scene, and police are calling for anyone who saw the accident to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon, and saw what happened, to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information on the incident should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.