Largs lorry driver Andy McLeish in convoy tribute to son

The 51-year-old - who became an online star with his TikTok videos documenting his lorry driving adventures - told the News he is 'heartbroken' at the loss of his son Lewis, who passed away suddenly at his home.

Lewis had followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a lorry driver. He shared the same passion for motor vehicles having been steeped in the industry since his youth.

Andy said: "This really is the hardest thing I have ever had to do...Lewis was my best friend and I have made so many happy memories. 

"He has put many a smile on many a face through the years and he has always brought light to any room."

Speaking about the unique tribute, Andy said: "I am planning on the biggest convoy you have ever imagined to celebrate Lewis's life.

"Lewis loved lorries. He sat in my truck when he was only three years old and loved the whole experience. That is why he wanted to follow in my footsteps.

"I want my daughter and grandson to also be sitting with me in the lorry - and it will be a very fitting send-off."

Lewis had been driving a tractor since he was 16. And in recent months he had been cleaning lorries while waiting for a fresh job opportunity to come up.

Andy revealed that Lewis was just a few days away from starting a new driving job.

He added: "Lewis was just truck daft. He couldn't get his licence back so he was doing other jobs in the meantime.

"The heart-breaking thing was that he was all ready to take up a new job on October 1 and drive a campervan which would have taken executive cars all over Europe.

"It gives me comfort to know he was chasing his dreams and very much wanting to follow in my own footsteps.

Andy McLeish and son Lewis were inseperable (Image: Andy McLeish)
"He had a wonderful, warm personality, and achieved so much; he was unlucky with the pandemic but he always stayed determined and wanted to pursue his goal."

Lewis, who was brought up in Dumbarton and then in Paisley, lived briefly in Largs and worked  at the Largs and Fairlie Valeting Centre for a time, before moving to Lincoln to be closer to his mother Veronica.

"You couldn't get a bigger character than Lewis," said Andy. "He could lift the mood of a room and always had smile on his face."

Andy's Go Fund Me page in memory of Lewis has already raised more than £10,000 to help the family meet the cost of Lewis's funeral.

He said: "What is happening is so overwhelming, as in the past I have always been there for others to lift their spirits. 

"I do TikTok videos every night and make everyone laugh - and one of my colleagues said that I had lifted so many people and now it is time to let them lift me.

"They have reached out at my time of need and I am so grateful to each and everyone of them who have helped me.

"I have so many fantastic memories of my son growing up and even hanging about with me in a truck from when he was a kid, to going on school holidays.

"He was always destined to drive and he had his driving licence and tractor licence, and had been driving lorries too. Everything was just about to happen for him with his new position.

"My boy knew the importance of helping people and getting paid to go to amazing places,

"It is not just a job, it is a passion. He understood that, and because of that, I am determined to give him as good a send off as possible with this special convoy."

On the fundraising page - available at tinyurl.com/lewismcleish - Andy described Lewis as "one in a million". 

The truck convoy is due to leave Parkhead Retail Park, Glasgow, at 10am on Saturday, October 14. 

The lorries will then make their way to Clydebank crematorium for an 11.30am service. A total of 50 lorries are expected to take part, Andy told the News.

Andy - known in online forums as 'Wingnut' - previously won a community award from the News two years ago in recognition of his contribution as a key worker during the pandemic. He is also well known for his big personality and social media following.