A fatal accident inquiry has highlighted the importance of maintaining safe working distances during routine farm tasks following the death of an Aberdeenshire farmer.
Robert McLeod, 43, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on November 18, 2024, after suffering a traumatic brain injury while feeding cattle at Ennochie Farm, near Banchory.
The inquiry heard that Mr McLeod was struck on the head by a metal ring feeder after a bale of hay, being lowered from the front loader of a tractor driven by his father, caught the side of the feeder, causing it to flip upwards.
Sheriff Ian Wallace concluded that the accident could have been avoided had Mr McLeod been standing further away from the feeder while the bale was being lowered. The inquiry also found that greater care in positioning the bale before the operation may have prevented the incident.
In his determination, Sheriff Wallace described the incident as: "An understandable and everyday lapse of judgement which had cruel and catastrophic consequences for Robert McLeod and his family."
He also reflected on the close relationship between Mr McLeod and his father, writing: "It is therefore a particular tragedy that Robert McLeod lost his life when working with his father."
The Sheriff concluded by expressing his 'deepest condolences to Mr and Mrs McLeod for their immeasurable loss'.
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