Two separate fatal car crashes in the Scottish Borders during December 2025 have resulted in the deaths of two men, prompting urgent appeals from law enforcement for witness information and dash-cam footage.
While the incidents occurred on different dates and locations, both involved single-vehicle collisions that required extensive emergency responses and prolonged road closures. Police Scotland is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both tragedies to determine the exact causes of the accidents.
Tragedy on the B6397: The Death of Damian McDougall
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, emergency services were called to a severe collision on the B6397 near Kelso at approximately 7:40 p.m. The incident involved a black Vauxhall Astra. According to reports, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene Damian McDougall.
Locally known as “Toshi” or “Deed,” McDougall was a mechanic highly regarded by his friends and family. Tributes have since poured in on social media, with colleagues and loved ones describing him as a “top guy” and a “lovely guy taken far too soon.”
The impact of the crash led to a significant disruption of local traffic, as officers closed the road for nine hours to conduct a thorough investigation. The road eventually reopened at approximately 4:40 a.m. On Sunday, December 21, following the recovery of the vehicle and the completion of initial scene forensics, as detailed in reports of the crash on the B6397 near Kelso.
Fatal Collision on the A7 near Fountainhall
Earlier in the month, another tragedy occurred on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Road policing officers responded to a fatal one-vehicle crash in the Scottish Borders on the A7, near Fountainhall.
The crash took place around 10:30 a.m. And involved a blue Toyota Rav4. The driver, a 66-year-old man, was transported by emergency services to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he subsequently passed away.
Police Scotland Appeals for Witness Information
In both instances, Police Scotland has emphasized the importance of public assistance to complete their inquiries. For the incident on the B6397, Sergeant Jamie Humpage stated that officers are specifically seeking witnesses who may have been in the area on the night of December 20 and may possess dash-cam footage that could provide insight into the events leading up to the collision.
The investigation into these fatal car crashes in the Scottish Borders underscores the critical nature of road safety and the value of digital evidence in modern accident reconstruction. Police Scotland continues to urge any motorists who were traveling near Kelso or Fountainhall during these specific timeframes to arrive forward.
Key Incident Details
| Date | Location | Vehicle Involved | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2025 | A7, near Fountainhall | Blue Toyota Rav4 | 66-year-old male deceased |
| Dec 20, 2025 | B6397, near Kelso | Black Vauxhall Astra | Damian McDougall deceased |
Anyone with information regarding the December 20 crash is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 2873 of Saturday, December 20, 2025. Information regarding the December 4 incident on the A7 should also be reported through official police channels.
The next step in these proceedings will be the conclusion of the official police inquiries and the subsequent release of findings regarding the causes of the collisions. We encourage readers to share this article to aid authorities locate potential witnesses.