The family of a cyclist killed in a crash on the A8 while out training with teammates have paid tribute to a “much loved” man described as a highly accomplished rider.
Iain McTavish, 46, died after a collision involving a blue Ford C-Max Zetec and three cyclists on the westbound carriageway between the Langbank and Woodhead roundabouts at around 7.10pm on Tuesday, September 8.
Emergency services attended, but Iain, who was riding one of the bicycles, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tributes from family and cycling community
His devastated family said he had studied at Glasgow University, where he gained an MA honours and Masters in Philosophy. They said Iain was also a “very active cyclist” who competed in events across Scotland and was “much loved” by those who knew him.
In a statement released by Police Scotland, they said: “Iain studied at Glasgow University and gained an MA honours and Masters in Philosophy. He was a very active cyclist who competed in events throughout Scotland. He was much loved and a valuable member of the community. I will miss him every day.”
Iain was a member of Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club and had been out on a training ride with fellow cyclists when the crash happened. His death has also prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Scotland’s cycling community.
Club and organisation tributes
Johnstone Wheelers described Iain as “one of cycling's good guys” following the tragedy. The club shared a photograph of Iain taking part in a group ride just days before his death.
In a social media tribute, they said: “Today we’re all reeling from the awful news yesterday. Iain McTavish was killed yesterday evening whilst riding with the bunch. This will take a long time to sink in and process, but for now suffice it to say that we are devastated at the loss of one of cycling's good guys. Here he is at the forefront of the Thursday bunch. RIP Iain”
Scottish Cycling also paid tribute to the 46-year-old, describing him as a “vital member” of the community and a “stalwart” of the Renfrew bunch and Georgetown TTs. The organisation said Iain had attended every round of Track League last year and had also served as rider representative on its committee.
Ongoing investigation
They described him as a “reliable and friendly face” who could always be counted on to turn up for a ride. Iain finished second in the 2025/2026 Glasgow Track League.
Two other male cyclists, aged 37 and 27, were taken to hospital following the collision. The 33-year-old male driver of the Ford C-Max was also taken to hospital but has since been released.
Police Scotland said enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash. Sergeant Jack Swindells said: “Our thoughts are with Iain's family at what is an extremely difficult time for them. Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward. If you were driving in the area at the time, please check any dash-cam footage to see if it has captured anything which could assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 2967 of Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
