Dog walk turns to tragedy as woman killed in collision

A woman has died after being struck by a motorcycle in Fife’s East Neuk.

The 53-year-old, named locally yesterday as Josie Fernie, died at the roadside of the A917 on Thursday evening.

The accident occurred on the stretch between Anstruther and Pittenweem shortly before 6pm and also involved a second vehicle, a 4x4.

Mrs Fernie is understood to have been walking her dog to Pittenweem at the time.

Members of the community spoke of their shock at Mrs Fernie’s death, with one man saying: “You hate to hear of these things happening so close to home.

“It’s only a 40mph limit but the pavement along that road is not wide enough.”

An Anstruther woman, who did not want to be named, added: “It’s just a real shame that someone was probably expecting their loved one to come home last night and then they get the knock at the door that no-one wants.”

Originally from Alva in Clackmannanshire, Mrs Fernie is understood to have worked for Fife Council in Anstruther.

The route was closed for several hours, causing tailbacks in both Anstruther and Pittenweem before diversions were put in place.

A major investigation has been launched.

The 45-year-old male motorcyclist sustained a number of injuries and was taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, for further treatment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2743 of November 16.

Josie Fernie died at the scene.