Father of six dies after accident at demolition site

Police line_incident_safety_emergency services_legal_ shutterstock_150961130

A 36-year-old man has died after an incident at a demolition site in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Derek Russell was an employee of Caskie, the contractor delivering demolition works at the Waverley Road regeneration project for Renfrewshire Council.

The father of six was taken to hospital on Friday (9 January) following an incident at the site but died the following day.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At around 9.15am on Friday, 9 January 2026, we were called to a demolition site on Waverley Road in Paisley after a man was injured.

“The 36-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment, where he died on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

“An investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been informed.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said that it had mobilised two fire appliances and a heavy rescue unit to the scene.

A HSE spokesperson said it was investigating the incident alongside Police Scotland.

Euan Caskie, director at Caskie, said: “This is a deeply tragic incident and our thoughts are with his partner, his six children and his wider family at this incredibly difficult time.

“He was a respected and valued member of our team, and his loss is felt by everyone who worked with him.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an employee of one of our contractors on site and our sympathies are with their family, friends and colleagues. We are working closely with all relevant services to support the investigation into this incident.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service was contacted for comment.

A fundraising page, set up by Ardeer Thistle FC Youth Academy, has already raised more than £3,000. In a statement, the club said: “Derek was a loving husband to Nicole and a fantastic dad to six amazing kids. He worked hard for his family and any donations would be greatly appreciated to help support his family.”

The regeneration area for the Waverley Road area of Foxbar, Paisley, includes the renovation of 20 blocks of one and two bedroom tenement flats built around the 1950s, plus the demolition of two blocks.

Read More
Cristina Lago

Latest

Newsletter

Don't miss

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business