Tributes have been paid to Fife grandfather Robert ‘Rab’ Brown, road safety campaigner, who died aged 61.
Rab was at the forefront of a successful campaign to bring much-needed safety improvements to the A92, north of Glenrothes.
He campaigned for more than four years to make the trunk road safer following the death of his nine-year-old grandson.
Logan Carrie was killed on the A92 close to his home in Cadham in February 2015, when he was struck by a motorist while crossing.
The death triggered renewed calls from communities along the notorious stretch for improved safety, following a number of fatalities over the previous decade.
Campaign started after death of grandson
Rab overcame his personal grief to wage a tireless campaign to convince the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to make improvements.
Working alongside local organisations such as the Glenrothes Futures Group and local politicians already calling for change, Rab vowed publicly not see his grandson’s death be in vain.
He invited a succession of Scottish transport ministers, including Derek Mackay and Humza Yousaf, to visit the crash site.
The former chef was also a regular visitor, along with his wife, Alice, to Holyrood over several years as the campaign continued.
Despite the loss of his wife in 2018, Rab continued to call for improvements.
His wish eventually came true in June 2019 with the installation of pedestrian crossing and a reduction in the speed limit at the area where his grandson died.
Following Rab’s death on Friday, tributes were paid to the grandfather and his “tireless efforts”.
Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, who worked closely with Rab during the campaign, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Brown.
“My thoughts are with his friends and family at this time, I know he will be missed by many.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of campaigners such as Rab, we’ve had major safety improvements implemented on the A92, including a signalised pedestrian crossing, which I hope will prevent any other such tragedy from happening again.
“I would like to extend my sincerest sympathy to Rab’s family at this difficult time.”
Glenrothes councillor, Altany Craik said Rab’s determination to see good come from awful tragedy is to be admired.
He added: “Mr Brown showed dedication and resolve to help bring about a change despite such a personal loss.
“Often, change can be agonisingly slow, however he never wavered from his goal regardless of the frustrations.
“To see some of the improvements, that are in no small part down to Rab’s campaigning, now benefiting thousands, is the good that has come from such tragic circumstances.
“My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones at this sad time.”
Rab Brown was a keen bowler
Away from campaigning, Rab was a keen bowls player and a member of Abbeyview Bowls Club in Dunfermline.
He died suddenly on Friday, shortly after finishing a game.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Robert was a keen bowler, winning the Gent’s Championship trophy in 2005.
“He played regularly over the years winning competitions at the indoor and outdoor bowling.
“Rab volunteered his time to cover the bowls office and before the Covid outbreak he also served on the committee.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult of times.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
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