Farmer died after 'everyday lapse of judgement'

An Aberdeenshire farmer died after being struck on the head by a metal cattle feeder, an inquiry has found.

Robert McLeod, 43, was injured in a field at Finzean, near Banchory, in Aberdeenshire, in November 2024.

A bale of hay which was being lowered from a tractor operated by his father struck the side of a ring feeder, causing the opposite side to flip up and hit him.

After a fatal accident inquiry, Sheriff Ian Wallace said there had been a lapse of judgement and that the death could have been avoided if greater care had been taken.

The inquiry heard the farmer's father was driving the tractor involved.

His son was standing by the ring feeder in a position that was directly opposite the front of the tractor.

The bale struck the top edge of the side of the ring, which then struck him on the head.

His father witnessed what happened from the cab of the tractor, and went to help, before going to a nearby property to tell neighbours, who raised the alarm.

His son was unconscious and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but could not be saved.

The cause of death was recorded as a traumatic brain injury.

Sheriff Wallace, in his written determination, said greater care could have been taken in ensuring that the bale of hay was correctly positioned before being lowered into the ring feeder.

He also said the accident could have been avoided if the farmer had been standing a safe distance from the ring feeder whilst the bale of hay was being lowered.

However, he wrote: "It was an understandable and everyday lapse of judgement which had cruel and catastrophic consequences for Robert McLeod and his family."

He noted the father and son had a very close relationship, so it was a "particular tragedy" that he lost his life when working with his father.

He added he wished to express his deepest condolences to his parents for their "immeasurable loss".