POLICE have named the 73-year-old biker who was killed after a collision with a campervan in the Highlands.
Alexander McCracken from Coventry, known as Sandy, passed away after being emergency airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Friday evening.
He was on his way to Skye to take part in the AUOB march for independence.
A statement on the Yes Bikers' Facebook page said: "On Friday one of our riders Sandy McCracken was riding to the Skye independence event when he was involved in a serious crash on the A87.
"Sandy was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow where he was admitted to the critical care ward.
"We have spoken with Sandy's family and they have told us that Sandy had said when it was his time to go he wanted to go on the bike and his partner Sheila says it is fitting that when it did happen he was home (Scotland).
We are saddened to hear of the tragic death of @YesBikers Sandy Mccraken who rode his last ride to the Isle of Skye on Friday for yesterday's demonstration at Kyleakin. Our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/6R2WulXvGw
— All Under One Banner (@AUOBNOW) August 27, 2023
"Many of you will know that Sandy was an avid supporter of Yes Bikers and had attended many of our rides all the way from his home in Coventry.
"We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Sandy's family (Sheila, Sandy's partner, son William and daughter Rhonda) at this very sad time."
AUOB also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "We are saddened to hear of the tragic death of @YesBikers Sandy McCracken who rode his last ride to the Isle of Skye on Friday for yesterday's demonstration at Kyleakin.
"Our deepest condolences."
McCracken, on his Triumph motorcycle, had been in a collision with a Fiat motorhome at around 5.20pm on Friday, August 25.
The incident happened at Glen Shiel on the A87, a major tourist road that runs from Invergarry onto the Isle of Skye.
The occupants of the campervan were checked by paramedics but did not require treatment.
The A87 was closed for crash investigation work to be carried out and re-opened at around 3am on Saturday, police said.
Sergeant Neil MacDonald said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Alexander at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash and who hasn’t already spoken to us to get in touch.
“I would also ask that anyone who has dash-cam footage which may assist contact us."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3143 of 25 August, 2023.
