Michael Cruickshank, a footballer who won the Highland League with Brechin City, has been named by police as the man who died in a crash in Angus on Thursday, November 5.
The 34-year-old, from Alyth, was driving a white Audi A1 on the A94 between Glamis and Meigle at around 6pm when it collided with a dark-coloured Ford Focus. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford, a 24-year-old man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police Scotland confirmed their investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Family and Club Tributes
In a statement, his family said: “Michael will be missed by many. We would like to thank everyone for the messages received so far and now need privacy while we come to terms with our loss.”
On social media, his fiancée Ashley Ann said she would forever be his “number one supporter”. She wrote: “Nothing made me prouder than seeing him play on a Saturday.” After his death, she said: “It breaks our hearts to announce the sudden and tragic passing of our favourite cheeky chappy who was loved and adored by many.”
Michael's workplace, agriculture firm LEMKEN, also paid tribute. They said that the Area Sales Manager for Scotland and the Borders was “a much-loved part of the LEMKEN UK family”. They added: “His warmth, humour, and dedication touched everyone he worked with — from customers and dealers to colleagues. We are devastated by his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his fiancée Ashley, family and friends.”
Football Career Remembered
Tributes have also poured in from across the football community, where Michael was a hugely popular figure. Broughty Athletic, who he joined in 2024, described him as a “very well loved and respected member” of their squad who would be “sorely missed”. The club postponed their fixture against Dundee North End following his death.
Brechin City chairman Kevin Mackie said everyone at the club was “absolutely devastated”, describing Michael, who won the Highland League with the club, as “one of life's diamonds”.
Michael began his football career with Brechin Boys Club before playing for Montrose Roselea and Luthermuir. He joined Carnoustie Panmure in 2018 before moving to Brechin City in 2021, helping them win the Highland League title in the 2022/23 season. He later joined Broughty Athletic, where he remained an important part of the squad until his death.
Former clubs also remembered Michael as a talented footballer and a genuinely lovely person, with Carnoustie Panmure describing him as someone who “always brought a smile and plenty of laughs”. Montrose Roselea said he had been a “terrific person” during his time with the club, while Lochee Harp said the football community was “one big family” and that rivalries were put aside in times of tragedy.
Police Appeal
Sergeant Michael Guild said: “Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family at what is a very difficult time for them. Our enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. Anyone who has not already spoken to officers and can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2728 of Thursday, 5 November, 2026.”
