Family devastated by worker's death

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 21 Apr 2010 16:08 0 Comments

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LESLIE 'CHEEZY' WATSON, who tragically fell to his death when a raised platform toppled over, is pictured on one of his much-loved trips to T in the Park with his partner Jean Peddie.

THE FAMILY of an Alloa contractor who tragically died after falling 70 feet into a river from a cherry picker in East Ayrshire have paid tribute to him saying he loved walking and music.

Leslie Watson (46) fell to his death after the raised platform he was standing on toppled over at the Stewarton Viaduct in East Ayrshire.

Police, fire and ambulance teams were quickly on the scene.

However, it is understood there was nothing medics could do to save Mr Watson.

Leslie, who was affectionately known as "Cheezy" by family and friends, was part of a Scottish commemorative group called Na Fir Dileas, and, in a statement released by the family, they said he loved his annual trip to T in the park.

They said, "Leslie Watson, familiarly known to friends and family by his nickname Cheezy, died tragically following an accident at work on Tuesday 13 April 2010 aged 46.

"Cheezy loved walking, his Scottish commemorative group Na Fir Dileas, and music, especially his annual trip to T in the Park.

"His partner, Jean Peddie, step daughter Kristina Peddie and father Alex Watson are joined by close family and friends in mourning his passing."

Mr Watson, of Garvally Crescent, died following the incident at Stewarton Viaduct around 9.35am last Tuesday.

British Transport Police have said a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Mr Watson was working for a contractor for Network Rail which operates the line.

A Network Rail spokesman said investigations were under way, adding, "We are working with the police and our contractors to investigate the cause of the incident.

"Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time."

Last week's tragic accident happened near to the scene of a fireball derailment just over a year ago.

Last January a freight train carrying oil and diesel caused a nearby railway bridge to collapse after it crashed and caught fire.

Flames shot 50ft into the air and the bridge near Peacock Bank Farm partially collapsed.

Six of the train's 10 wagons derailed and one caught fire, causing plumes of smoke that could be seen for miles around.

A spillage of around 220,000 litres of fuel led to a major pollution incident with damage to land and local rivers.

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