Sturgeon leads tributes to former chair of the Scottish Police Authority

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has led tributes to Vic Emery after his death in a road crash in Dumfries and Galloway.

Emery was the first chairman of the Scottish Police Authority and had also been the chair of the Edinburgh tram project.

Police Scotland confirmed the 77-year-old died in a road crash on the A74(M) southbound near Ecclefechan on Saturday.

The First Minister said she was “shocked and very sad” to hear of Emery’s death.

Sturgeon tweeted: “I first got to know Vic when he ran Govan shipyard and since then our paths have crossed regularly through his public sector roles. I held him in very high regard and liked him a lot. My deepest condolences go to his loved ones.”

Emery’s family have released the following tribute: “It is with great sadness that the family announce that Vic Emery, a cherished husband, devoted father and grandfather and respected businessman passed away Saturday, 18th December 2021.

“His wife, Dianne, and daughters, Lucy, Juliet and Victoria and three beloved grandchildren are utterly devastated, their hearts shattered, and request privacy at this time.”

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Vic Emery.

“My thoughts and those of everyone at Police Scotland are with his family and friends at this tragic time.”

In the private sector, Emery worked for BAE Systems, sitting on the company’s board from from 2003 until 2008. He was awarded an OBE in May 2008.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened around 2.20 pm.