Jim McCollum, an 84-year-old man from Bathgate, has been identified as the second person killed in a fatal crash that took place during Storm Boelo on Sunday. McCollum was the driver of a blue Peugeot 208 involved in a collision with a white BMW and a blue Citroen Saxo on the B708 Lower Bathville road at around 12:15pm on October 25.
Details of the crash
McCollum died at the scene alongside Arran Callander, 20, who was driving the BMW. The passenger of the BMW, a 19-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment, while the two occupants of the Citroen, a 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were assessed by paramedics at the scene.
In a statement released by Police Scotland, McCollum's family said: "Jim was a gentle and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family. The family wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene of the crash."
Storm Boelo and police appeal
The incident occurred while an amber weather warning for Storm Boelo was in effect until Sunday evening across most of Scotland. Images from the scene showed a large cordon in place as officers examined the crash site. The road was closed to allow crash investigation work, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Sergeant Dave Waddell, of the Road Policing Unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with families and friends of the two men who have died, at this difficult time. We are continuing to appeal for information and would ask anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dash-cam footage which could assist, to contact us as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1770 of 25 October, 2026.
