Yobs throw rocks at cars on M8

Three boys were seen throwing stones from a crossing near junction 3A, signposted for Bathgate, on the M8 on Wednesday night.

Police said no vehicles had been hit, but near misses had caused “considerable concern” for motorists travelling on the route.

The incident was described as potentially “catastrophic” by West Lothian Council leader John McGinty.

Mr McGinty said: “The consequences of such dangerous and stupid actions could be catastrophic for motorists and I’m relieved to hear that no-one was injured.

“I’m sure residents will be horrified to hear that this type of crime was taking place and I’d urge anyone with information to contact the police.”

The boys are thought to be between 13 and 15 years old, with slim builds. One of the teenagers wore a light brown hooded top, while another wore a grey hooded top.

They were crossing the bridge from Blackburn to Bathgate when they began throwing stones at traffic on the 
eastbound carriageway. Police have launched an appeal for information and asked anyone who might be able to help trace the thugs to contact them.

Inspector Scott Robertson said: “This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act, carried out by those who clearly had no concern for the potential consequences of their actions.

“We want to hear from anyone who has any information that can help us trace those responsible.”

Police have had to investigate a number of similar incidents on the M8 in recent years.

Worried officers told in June 2008 how they had received several reports from motorists of youths throwing stones from bridges spanning the motorway in West Lothian.

Two incidents were reported in one day, when the windscreen of a lorry and a window of a caravan were smashed near Livingston.

A driver had a narrow escape just two months later when a group of youths dropped a brick on to the M8 near Deans in West Lothian.

In November that year, youths pelted stones at motorists from a bridge over the A89 near Stankards in Uphall, sparking concern that it was only a matter of time before there was a death or serious injury.

In 1998, two drivers were left in a state of shock when their cars were hit by boulders tossed from the Dechmont-Knightsridge footbridge near Livingston.

Police have urged anyone with information about the latest incident to contact them on the non-emergency number 101, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Taking a bow for Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach lookalike Hamish McKenzie was getting into the string of things at St Mary’s Cathedral.

The venue is set to host the Bach to Bach Marathon, which will see professional and amateur musicians take part in a 15-hour extravaganza on May 4.

Music at the all-day concert will be interspersed with stories from the life and times of the great composer and aims to raise money for Christian Aid.

Organiser Alastair Guild said: “Bach has something for everyone and this is expected to be a really unique event with around 30 different performances.”

Tickets cost £10 from www.christianaid.org.uk/bach2bach and allow entry throughout the day from 9am.