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Inquiry to examine death of farmer crushed by hay bale

News imagePA Media An external view of Selkirk Sheriff Court with a sign carrying its name and a black door at the end of a paved pathway between black railingsPA Media
A preliminary hearing will be held at Selkirk Sheriff Court on 27 May

A preliminary hearing date has been set for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of a Borders farmer who was crushed by a hay bale.

Thomas Edgar, 78, died on the morning of 5 September 2024 at his Linton Bankhouse Farm near Kelso.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said a hearing had been set for 27 May at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The FAI will look at the cause of death and establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken and could be implemented in future to minimise the risk of similar accidents.

Unlike criminal proceedings, an FAI is used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: "The death occurred while in the course of his employment and as such an FAI is mandatory.

"The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

"Mr Edgar's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."