A HADDINGTON biker died after an accident during racing at East Fortune this weekend.

Sixty-three-year-old superbike racer Frank Dignan, from Haddington, died after an incident during the Melville Motor Club meeting at the county race circuit on Saturday. 

A statement released on behalf of the club said: “The Melville Motor Club regret to announce the loss of club member Frankie Dignan from Haddington, on Saturday, August 12 2017.

"Frankie was competing in the motorcycle racing event at his local circuit, East Fortune, when he fell at Campbell’s Hairpin, towards the end of the Scottish Superbikes race.

"He was attended immediately by the circuit medical team and sent by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

"Frankie had raced at East Fortune since 1974 and will be terribly missed.

"The Melville Club sends its sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Tributes to Mr Dignan have also been paid on social media.

Derek Ross, a work colleague, said on Facebook that Mr Dignan was a "brilliant work mate and friend" and would be a "great loss to us all at McConechy's"

Helen Wallace also paid tribute online, writing: "RIP Frank Dignan thoughts & prayers are with family and friends. Keep her lit up there."

Yvonne Davidson, a fellow racer in action at East Fortune and the niece of former world champion Jock Taylor, also paid tribute.

She wrote: "So sad to have lost a good mate of mine, Frankie Dignan in the superbikes race, a real legend. RIP bud."

Ross Maguire, another competitor, paid his tribute on his Facebook page, writing: "Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends of Frank Dignan who unfortunately lost his life at the circuit on Saturday."

Racing was cancelled on Saturday as a mark of respect, but bikes did return to the track yesterday (Sunday).

Police Scotland said inquiries into the incident were ongoing.

A spokesman said: "Police in East Lothian responded to East Fortune at around 2.50pm on Saturday, August 12, after a motorcycle rider came off his bike during the Scottish Autocycle Union Championship race.

"As a result of this incident, the 63-year-old man sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Racing was suspended and road policing officers are continuing with their inquiries."