A young motorcyclist who died at the scene of a crash in West Lothian was a member of the project team who proposed new tram train plans for Edinburgh.
Natalia Salajska, 23, was a civil engineering graduate of Heriot-Watt University and she, along with five other final year students, conducted the study into replacing the Edinburgh South Suburban Railway with tram trains – which includes the possibility of a link to a new train station in Portobello.
She died in September while riding her motorbike after a crash on the A803 near Linlithgow Bridge involving the driver of a car.
Natalia’s step-sister said: “My family and I still haven’t come to terms with our tragic loss of Natalia, feeling deep sadness and lost without her. She was very outgoing, spontaneous, extremely intelligent and always had us laughing. Losing Natalia has been the most devastating time of our lives.
“Natalia was someone my brother and I always looked up to. Growing up she would always have us playing the most creative games and doing the most spontaneous things as a family. Every single memory we have of Natalia will be forever cherished.
“It’s clear Natalia has created a lasting impact on many friends and loved ones, and the support which has come from that, we’re most grateful and thankful for. We forever love and miss you Natalia.”
Corey Boyle student lead on the South Sub Tram-Train project said: “Natalia was always smiling, with a cheeky personality and grin to match. I knew her for five years, all through university, and we’d only just graduated a few months before she started her career in transport engineering. She loved drawing and made artistic sketches of how some of the stations on the South Sub might look. Being creative and artistic was not a task to her, it was simply who she was.
“I was truly honoured and humbled to receive The Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers from the Institution of Civil Engineers. The day of the award also happened to be the day of Natalia’s funeral, and dedicating it to her felt like the least I could do. The South Sub Tram-Train project was very much a group effort, but I wanted to recognise her memory. She was boldly herself, full of energy and character, and she left a mark on everyone who knew her. Reopening the South Sub would be a small but lasting legacy to Natalia.”
Caitlin Cummings, a fellow member of the team, said: “Natalia was a bright and talented young woman who was inspiring to work alongside throughout our time at university. She excelled in many subjects and understood concepts which helped with passing that on to others and helping them to understand too. Working alongside her on the South Sub meant that I got to know her more closely, and I am grateful for that.
“She was funny, quick-witted and brave. She always did what felt right to her and didn’t let others pressure her in one direction or another. She was thoughtful. And she will be missed dearly.”
Dr Scott Arthur MP for Edinburgh South West is on a career break from his position as Chair of Urban Water Management at Heriot-Watt University.
He said on social media: ” I was genuinely shocked and heartbroken to learn that Natalia Salajska lost her life in a road traffic collision in September. She was just 23 years old and had a bright, promising future ahead of her – she is the young woman with long hair in the centre of the image.
“I was proud to call her one of my students at Heriot-Watt University.
“Natalia played a vital role in the student team that inspired us all with their visionary work on the feasibility of using tram-trains to reopen Edinburgh’s South Suburban Railway. Her passion and dedication left a lasting impression.
“Just a month after her tragic passing, her teammate Corey Boyle received The Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers, recognising the impact of their project. In a touching moment, Corey dedicated the award to Natalia – a tribute that speaks volumes about her influence and the deep bond within the team.”
The student team has inspired a separate group who have established themselves as Tram trains for Edinburgh to promote the use of tram trains on the line which passes through Morningside.
The group held their first meeting in Edinburgh in September.
