A man has appeared in court charged in connection with a fatal crash near Edinburgh Airport which claimed the life of a much-loved pub boss.
Shola Richards, 32, from Broxburn, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, September 9, in connection with the death of 58-year-old Linda Patterson.
Charges and court appearance
Richards faces four charges, including an allegation of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a road accident, as well as attempting to pervert the course of justice.
A fourth charge relates to allegedly failing to provide police officers with the identity of a driver when required to do so.
Richards made no plea during the hearing. He was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court again within eight days.
Two women, aged 23 and 19, who were also charged by police, but were released pending further enquiries, did not appear in court.
Crash details
The major collision on the A8 Glasgow Road, between Newbridge Roundabout and Gogar, took place around 9.25am on Monday.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash, including a grey Mercedes A250, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30.
Linda was driving the Hyundai when the collision happened. Emergency services rushed to the scene but Linda was pronounced dead at the roadside.
Four other people were taken to hospital with injuries following the crash.
Tributes to Linda Patterson
Linda's death has left her family and friends devastated. Her loved ones described her as a "beautiful soul" who brought love and joy to those around her.
In a tribute released through Police Scotland, her family said: "Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.
"She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.
"Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.
"She will be greatly missed.
"We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts."
Linda was from Broxburn and was also described by friends as a popular pub boss.
Her business partner Arthur Alexander said she had been his best friend for more than 40 years and had become part of his family.
Paying tribute on social media, he said: "It's with a heavy heart that we are having to announce the tragic passing of our amazing friend Linda Patterson.
"Linda was my best friend for over 40 years and very much part of our family. She will be sadly missed.
"Further details with funeral arrangements etc will be announced in due course. Till we meet again LP."
Investigation ongoing
The collision sparked a major emergency service response, with images from the scene showing a lorry stopped on a grass verge and several damaged vehicles.
Some of the cars appeared to have overturned during the collision.
Police officers, including specialist search teams with sniffer dogs, were also seen at the scene as investigators worked to establish what happened.
The A8 was closed for several hours while police carried out their investigation and the vehicles involved were recovered.
Police have said their investigation remains ongoing and that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
