Inquiry highlights cattle-handling risks after 87-year-old farmer's death

Defects in a cattle-handling pass contributed to the death of an 87-year-old Aberdeenshire farmer who was struck by a cow while loading livestock, a fatal accident inquiry has found.

David Coutts Dixon Ewan, of Ferniebrae Farm at Barras, near Stonehaven, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 16 June 2025 after suffering a traumatic brain injury and fractured ribs.

The inquiry’s findings were published on 9 September 2026 following proceedings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Ian Wallace concluded that Mr Ewan could have waited for assistance before moving the cattle, a precaution which might realistically have prevented the fatal accident.

His daughter was already on her way to the farm to help, while the lorry driver was also available to assist.

The inquiry heard that a lorry had arrived to collect three cattle for transport to slaughter. Mr Ewan’s daughter had arranged to help move the animals, but the vehicle arrived slightly earlier than expected.

Mr Ewan decided to begin moving the cattle himself.

Two animals entered the lorry without incident, but the third approached at speed before turning sharply and running back down the cattle pass towards him.

The lorry driver shouted a warning before finding Mr Ewan lying on the ground with a head injury.

He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where scans showed significant head injuries and fractured ribs. His brain injury was assessed as unsurvivable and he died later that evening.

The inquiry found that the design of the cattle pass contributed to the accident.

Around 30ft long and between four and five feet wide, the pass was wide enough to allow cattle to turn around.

The sheriff found that a narrower passage could have prevented the cow from turning and running back towards Mr Ewan.

There was also no ready means of escape or refuge suitable for him if cattle became uncontrolled.

Although someone with sufficient mobility could potentially have climbed the wooden fencing, the determination found that Mr Ewan could not reasonably have been expected to use this as an escape route.

Sheriff Wallace concluded that the width of the pass and the absence of a suitable escape or refuge amounted to defects in the system of working which contributed to his death.

Mr Ewan had worked in farming throughout his life and continued to run Ferniebrae Farm despite declining health and reduced mobility.

His family had increasingly stepped in to help with work around the farm as tasks became more difficult, although the inquiry heard that he was independent and reluctant to ask for assistance.

The sheriff found that Mr Ewan’s age and reduced mobility placed him at greater risk when handling cattle.

However, the determination stressed that there is no recommended upper age limit for handling cattle because individual capabilities vary. It said particular consideration should be given to the risks faced by people over 65 who continue to work with livestock.

Following publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks said: “The Sheriff’s Determination highlights the importance of assessing the risks associated with cattle handling, particularly for older farmers.”

He added: “Cattle can behave unpredictably and even routine tasks can have tragic consequences.”

Mr Shanks urged farmers to use the case as an opportunity to review livestock-handling arrangements.

“Farmers should consider this tragic case as an opportunity to review livestock handling arrangements,” he said.

The inquiry also highlighted the wider risks associated with cattle and agricultural work.

Figures considered by the sheriff showed agriculture accounts for around 1% of the Great British workforce but approximately 20% of worker fatalities.

Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, 14 farm workers and 12 members of the public were killed by cattle.

Over the same period, 45 of the 125 worker fatalities recorded across agriculture, forestry and fishing involved people aged over 65.

No formal recommendations were made following the inquiry because Ferniebrae Farm no longer keeps cattle, the family does not intend to continue running the farm and plans are in place to sell it.

Fatal Accident Inquiries are fact-finding proceedings intended to establish the circumstances surrounding a death and consider measures which might prevent similar deaths. They are not intended to determine criminal or civil liability.

Mr Shanks added: “Our thoughts are with Mr Ewan’s family at this time.”