Tributes made to M8 man

A Wishaw civil engineer who played a pivital role in the creation of the M8 Glasgow to Edinburgh motorway has died.

One of Scotland’s best known civil engineers, road builder William McAlonan was 88.

Known to pals as Bill, William was director of roads for Strathclyde Region for 12 years.

As well as his key role in the M8, he also oversaw improvements to the A82 Glasgow to Inverness road, considered one of the world’s most scenic drives.

A spokesman for Glasgow Motorway Archive said: “During William’s tenure, several high-profile schemes were constructed, the most prestigious of which was the completion of the M8 motorway.”