Community and ‘railway family’ say final farewell to ‘jolly’ Donald

People line the street as funeral cortege of rail conductor killed in derailment tragedy passes by

An Aberdeenshire community came to a standstill yesterday as the funeral cortege of rail conductor Donald Dinnie passed slowly through the town.

The 58-year-old died in the Stonehaven derailment on August 12, alongside driver Brett McCullough and passenger Christopher Stuchbury.

Mr Dinnie’s funeral was held in private but his family had invited anyone wishing to pay their last respects to watch as the cortege passed through Westhill.

Since the tragedy, tributes from across Scotland have poured in for the conductor described as a “jolly” and “friendly” face on many people’s commutes.

And by 1pm yesterday, hundreds had lined the streets between Hay’s Way and Old Skene Road to say a final farewell.

Blue ScotRail jumpers, jackets and uniforms all stood out as the country’s “railway family” turned out to pay tribute.

Neighbours, friends and other members of the Westhill community also attended.

As the funeral procession approached Hay’s Way, a lone bagpiper began to play Flowers of the Forest and silence fell among the crowd.

When the vehicles passed Westhill Swimming Pool a ScotRail staff member began to clap his hands – leading to loud applause spontaneously breaking out.

Alex Hynes, managing director of ScotRail, was also in attendance alongside other senior members of the organisation.

In a statement released afterwards, Mr Hynes said: “Today is a very sombre day for Scotland’s railway as we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague Donald.

“Our hearts will remain broken for a long time to come, but together with the railway family we will provide support and comfort for everyone touched by the tragedy.”

The family of Mr Dinnie had requested that, instead of sending flowers, people make donations to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

The helicopter was present on August 12 and Mr Dinnie also had a monthly direct debit to help keep it going.

The charity posted on a fundraising page set up by his family online, paying tribute to Mr Dinnie.

The message said: “Please accept the sincerest condolences of everyone here at Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.

“Your father was a valued supporter of our work and we greatly appreciate your support at this time.”

To donate to the fundraiser, people should search for “In Memory of Donald Dinnie for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance” on Facebook.

A lone piper leads the funeral procession through the streets of Westhill where ScotRail colleagues and the community gathered to pay their last respects to Donald Dinnie, right, who died on August 12 in the railway tragedy.