Family tribute to 'kind' cyclist

Floral tributes have been left at the spot where Mr Wilson was killed

The family of a cyclist killed in a road collision in Edinburgh have paid tribute to "a fantastic guy", saying "he lived his life with gusto".

Dr Iain Wilson, 35, from Duddingston, was an award-winning neuroscientist doing research at Edinburgh University.

He died in the collision at the junction of West Richmond Street and Nicolson Street on Tuesday at 0930 BST.

His family said: "We are devastated to lose one who was as fun-loving and funny as he was kind and thoughtful."

Dr Wilson was brought up in Alabama and studied psychology at Haverford College in Pennsylvania before completing his PhD in neuroscience at the University of Kuopio in Finland in 2005.

Iain was a fantastic guy, caring, always interested and enthusiastic and the first to offer help to others Dr Iain Wilson's family

His particular focus was on the ways the ageing brain processes spatial relationships.

He took up his current post at Edinburgh University three years ago.

Dr Wilson enjoyed regularly running, cycling and hillwalking, once 'bagging' a Munro the day after completing the London Marathon.

He was also a member of Edinburgh University's Orienteering Club and spoke five languages, three of them fluently.

While in Finland, he met his wife Silvia Gratz-Wilson. They had settled in Scotland.

'Sorely missed'

His family said: "It is very difficult to come to terms with what has happened. Iain was a fantastic guy, caring, always interested and enthusiastic and the first to offer help to others. He was devoted to his wife, his family and his work.

"Iain loved to be outside enjoying the world around him and lived his life with gusto.

"He put a lot into it, and he got a lot out of it. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

"Iain died on his regular commute to work by bike. We would be grateful if anyone who saw the accident would come forward and talk to the police.

"It can't bring Iain back, but it might help us to understand what has happened, and help prevent a similar accident in future."

An Edinburgh University spokeswoman said: "The university is greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Dr Iain Wilson.

"He was a highly regarded and valued member of staff, who will be greatly missed."