The popular bus driver who died in a horror crash as he took pupils to school for the last day of term has been named as Ian Fordyce, from Fintry, Dundee.
Tributes were paid at the weekend to the 68-year-old, who was killed in a three-vehicle accident on the South Deeside Road at Maryculter.
Known by his nickname of “Fingers”, he had driven buses professionally for 40 years.
Family members said he was a very popular man who was well loved by all who knew him.
Ice hockey club Dundee Comets were among those paying tribute to Mr Fordyce, who had driven the team to away games over the years.
In a statement, a club spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that Dundee Comets share the news of the passing of Ian Fordyce (Fingers) who was tragically killed while driving a bus in Aberdeenshire this week.
“Fingers drove the Comets to many of their away fixtures over the years and held a special place in our hearts. RIP Fingers. Gone but not forgotten.”
Thirteen pupils from Lathallan School, near Johnshaven, were on the bus when it crashed but all escaped serious injury.
The collision occurred near Maryculter Bridge around 7.45am and involved a red Audi A5 car, a white DAF lorry and a single-deck bus belonging to Laurencekirk firm M W Nicoll.
In a statement, Mr Fordyce’s family said: “Ian, affectionately known as ‘Fingers’ to most of his friends, was very well known and popular with everyone he met.
“He drove coaches for 40 years and loved every minute of it.
“He will be a sorely missed brother, father, grandfather and friend.”
The male drivers of the car and lorry, aged 40 and 56 respectively, were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with non life-threatening injuries, but Mr Fordyce was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 13 shocked children on board escaped with cuts and bruises and clambered to safety through an emergency exit.
Sergeant Rob Warnock, of the road policing unit, said: “This was a tragic incident which has resulted in a 68-year-old man losing his life.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the crash or who may have seen any of the vehicles shortly beforehand to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
