A man who was hurt in a horrific car accident that killed his wife has died ten months later in hospital from his injuries.
Alan Laing had parked up on the B977 Dyce to Hatton of Fintray road with his wife, Margaret, in October last year when their Gold Vauxhall Mariva was hit by another vehicle.
Mrs Laing, who had got out of her car shortly before she was struck, died at the scene, while her husband was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after their car smashed up against a farmhouse.
The Press and Journal understands that Mr Laing, who was a well-known businessman in Aberdeenshire, has died in hospital almost a year later from the injuries he sustained.
He had suffered extensive abdominal damage and spent the months after the accident attending hospital.
But he never fully recovered and was admitted to ARI for the last time seven weeks ago.
He died on Thursday morning at the age of 79.
Last night, Mr and Mrs Laing’s family were too upset to speak about the tragedy, but have said how the couple – who were married for more than 50 years – were completely devoted to each other.
Mr and Mrs Laing, who were from Hatton of Fintray, had been on their way to check on their niece’s house when the tragic accident happened on October 21 near a farmhouse on a steep brae between Cothal and Hatton of Fintray.
Mr Laing’s aunt, Winifred Milne, who was 92, was also badly hurt.
The man driving the vehicle which hit them was later charged with causing Mrs Laing’s death by dangerous driving.
Edward Shaw, of Inverurie, was also charged with drink driving.
However, before the case was heard in court, the 50-year-old was found dead in woodlands near his home.
Mr Laing was born in Fintray, and also spent time living in Dunect and Kemnay.
He made his name running the family business, James T Ogston Ltd at Fintray Mill, a popular supplier of grain and animal feed to farmers and bakers in the north-east, and one of the few family oatmeal mills in the region.
He joined the company when he was just 15 after leaving Inverurie Academy, and retired 47 years later in 1996.
He was also a keen golfer and played in the Aberdeen Trades Golf Association.
His funeral will take place on September 5 at St Andrew’s Parish Church, Inverurie at 11am.
At the time of the accident, his wife was described as a “very friendly person and very kind”.
The 79-year-old was born in Inverurie to parents Jock and Alice Wallace, who ran a series of garages in the town.
Wallace Road in the Garioch town was even named after the well-known family.
The couple leave behind their sons Alan and Ian, grandson Matthew, and Alan’s wife Jennifer.