A tragic incident at the Elgin bus station unfolded earlier this year when Keith Rollinson, a 58-year-old bus driver and RAF veteran, lost his life following a violent altercation with a drunken teenager. The events have sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious discussions about youth behavior, public transport safety, and the responsibilities of both drivers and passengers.
On February 2, 2024, Keith Rollinson was on duty at the bus station on St Giles Road when the incident occurred. The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, had been drinking heavily with friends prior to arriving at the bus station to catch the last bus home. Mr. Rollinson refused to let the youth board the bus due to his noticeably intoxicated state, which sparked the confrontation.
According to statements heard at the High Court, after being denied access to the bus, the teenager argued with Mr. Rollinson. The driver switched off the engine, signaling to passengers he would not depart until the boy exited the vehicle. Frustrated, the teenager attempted to film Mr. Rollinson by holding his mobile phone close to his face.
During this confrontation, Mr. Rollinson snatched the phone from the youth’s grip, leading to physical altercation where the boy headbutted the driver. The situation then escalated dramatically. Lady Hood, the presiding judge, explained the extent of the violence: “When the telephone was smashed on the ground, you completely lost control and during a frenzied attack you rained punches on Mr. Rollinson's head and body.” It was during this assault Mr. Rollinson tried to escape from the teenager, appearing relatively unhurt at first.
Tragically, after bending over to pick up his cap, Mr. Rollinson collapsed and never regained consciousness, succumbing to cardiac arrest later at Dr. Gray's Hospital. A postmortem examination revealed he suffered from significant heart disease, and it was determined the physical altercation most likely accelerated the onset of his cardiac event.
The aftermath of this tragedy has left the local community engulfed in grief, encapsulated by the emotional tribute from Mr. Rollinson’s family who described him as “the kindest, dedicated and loving husband and father whose world has been shattered.” His sudden death highlighted the pressing issues surrounding safety for public transport workers.
On November 18, 2024, the teenager was sentenced to four years and four months for culpable homicide, having pleaded guilty to the lesser charge originally facing murder charges. The court heard the youth had prior offenses, including being previously subjected to supervision for assaulting another bus driver just three weeks before the incident involving Mr. Rollinson. Judge Lady Hood emphasized during sentencing, “There was no alternative to detention.”
A key aspect of the narrative around this incident was the behavior of the teenager post-attack. Evidence presented indicated he displayed arrogance and lacked comprehension of the gravity of his actions, reportedly saying he acted in self-defense and even expressing hopes of Mr. Rollinson’s recovery shortly after the incident.
This horrifying event stirred notable reactions from the public and various stakeholders. The transport company, Stagecoach North Scotland, expressed feelings of shock and sadness over the loss of one of its dedicated drivers. Meanwhile, the Unite union has taken this incident as a rallying point for widespread calls demanding enhanced protections for bus drivers, highlighting the increased risk they face from abuse and violence during their duties.
Following Mr. Rollinson's death, union leaders released survey results showing overwhelmingly high percentages of bus drivers reporting increased instances of verbal and physical abuse. Out of more than 1,000 drivers surveyed, 99% supported stronger legislative measures aimed at worker safety, with 84% noting the growing trend of workplace abuse over the last year.
Chief Inspector Mike McKenzie from Police Scotland’s Moray area urged community efforts to curb youth disorder, particularly surrounding the bus station. Post-proof measures and community interventions have been reaffirmed with commitments to work collaboratively to address and deter anti-social behavior in Elgin. Police have proposed implementing new strategies to improve safety for both drivers and passengers.
The tragic death of Keith Rollinson prompts much-needed reflection on the care and safety of those working on the frontlines of public services. While the incident was rooted in one individual’s choices, the broader consequences resonate, underscoring the necessity for societal change to prevent such senseless violence from occurring again.
Rolled up with grief, frustration, and the longing for improved safety measures, the community hopes this heartbreaking chapter will lead to reforms, ensuring the welfare and respect for individuals like Keith Rollinson who serve tirelessly, often under duress.
