Family ‘heartbroken’ by death of Fife taxi driver

Son says his loss ‘has left a void that will be impossible to fill’

A well-known and popular taxi driver from Fife has been named as the victim of a fatal accident near Musselburgh in East Lothian.

Cowdenbeath man John Nisbet, 72, a taxi driver in the Edinburgh area, was killed when his black cab collided with a van on the southbound carriageway of the A1 in the early hours of Sunday.

His son Eddie said his family were “utterly heartbroken”, in a statement issued by Police Scotland.

He said: “The warmth, humour, generosity and compassion that John brought to the lives of his family and friends is truly immeasurable.

“His loss has left a void that will be impossible to fill.”

Mr Nisbet was married to Gaye for 32 years and Eddie said the couple had fallen in love at first sight.

He said: “He was her hero, her best friend and ultimately her life – her heart will forever belong to him.”

He also described his father as a huge personality in golfing, taxi driver and snooker circles, who left an “indelible mark” on a vast amount of people.

He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the depth of sentiment that has been expressed to us over the past days.

“We are now getting a true feel for just how popular and well-loved he is, which has offered us a huge amount of comfort.”

Mr Nisbet suffered fatal injuries when his London Taxi TX1 collided with a Peugeot Boxer between the Old Craighall and Wallyford junctions at 12.30am.

The 53-year-old male driver of the van was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening.

Inquiries into the collision are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

John Nisbet: “well-loved”.