Tributes to former triathlete who died in crash

Andrew Johnstone's family said he was a keen sportsman who loved exploring Scotland with his dogs

Tributes have been made to a keen sportsman and athlete who died in a car crash in Aberdeenshire.

Andrew Johnstone, 64, died in the one-car accident on an unclassified road near Torphins last week.

Mr Johnstone's family said he was a former Commonwealth Games triathlete and enjoyed a range of activities including hillwalking, skiing, swimming and cycling.

He was also a keen cricketer, still playing occasionally at Crathie.

In a statement, the family said he had been a very active person from a young age.

"He was selected for the Scottish Commonwealth Games Triathlon team when it was first introduced as a demonstration event in 1990," they said.

"He ran the Munros in record time with his good friend Rory Gibson in 1992.

“His job as a medical rep for the whole of the north of Scotland enabled him to explore the country he loved with his beloved dogs.

"He was able to pursue his many outdoor activities including hillwalking, cycling, swimming and skiing. His enthusiasm inspired many of the huge number of people he met along the way, most of whom remained lifelong friends."

Sadly missed

Mr Johnstone's wife Kate died in 2000, and in her memory he climbed Mount Shasta in California, raising money for the Macmillan cancer charity.

“He will be sadly missed by his brother Michael, partner Nuria and his many friends including his beloved dog and constant companion, Ruby," the statement added.

The crash happened at some point between 23:15 on Thursday 28 November and 06:30 on Friday 29 November on an unclassified road that extends between the A980 at Torphins and the B9119 at Tornaveen.

Emergency services attended but Mr Johnstone was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact police, quoting reference 0454 of 29 November.