Man in court as family pay tribute to woman killed in multi-vehicle crash near Edinburgh Airport

A woman killed in a multi-vehicle crash near Edinburgh Airport has been described by her "devastated" family as having a "beautiful soul".

Linda Patterson, 58, was pronounced dead at the scene following the fatal collision on the A8 Glasgow Road near Newbridge on Monday morning.

Four other people were taken to hospital for treatment and were later released.

Two women, aged 19 and 23, and a 32-year-old man that were earlier arrested have now been charged in connection with the multi-vehicle smash.

The man, Shola Richards, appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday and made no plea to four separate charges.

He has been accused of causing death by dangerous driving; failing to stop and give his details; attempting to pervert the course of justice; and being the keeper of the vehicle but failing to identify the alleged driver involved in the reported incident to authorities.

Richards, from Broxburn in West Lothian, was remanded in custody and is due back in the dock within the next eight days.

The women have been released pending further enquiries.

In a statement released via Police Scotland, Ms Patterson's family said: "Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.

"She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.

"Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.

"She will be greatly missed. We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts."

The collision - involving a grey Mercedes A250, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30 - occurred at about 9.25am.

Ms Patterson had been driving the Hyundai.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said it dispatched three ambulances, two special operations response teams, a paramedic response unit and a critical care paramedic.

The collision closed the road between Newbridge and Edinburgh Airport, causing traffic tailbacks.

The vehicles were recovered and the road eventually reopened soon after 7pm.

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Police Scotland said reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Sergeant Mike Thomson said: "Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

"If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.

"We would also ask anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along."

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