Aberdeenshire farmer died after being struck on head by cattle feeder in 'lapse of judgement'

A farmer in Aberdeenshire died after being struck on the head by a metal cattle feeder in an “everyday lapse of judgement”.

Robert McLeod died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on November 18, 2024, after he was injured in a field at Ennochie Farm, Banchory.

The 43-year-old was struck on the head by a ring feeder, used for feeding cattle, which caused a traumatic brain injury.

The accident occured when a bale of hay, which was being lowered from the front loader of a tractor, struck the side of the ring feeder, causing the opposite side to flip and strike Mr McLeod on the head.

It was described as a routine job which had been carried out a “number of times a day, over many years.”

The farmer was standing directly opposite the front of the tractor, which was being driven by his father, who raised the alarm.

Mr McLeod was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he died.

‘Everyday lapse of judgement’

In an FAI into the farmer’s death, Sheriff Ian Wallace said the death “could have been avoided” if Mr McLeod has been standing a safer distance from the feeder as the hay was being lowered down.

It was also said that “greater care” could have ensured that the bale of hay was correctly positioned before the operation.

However, he described it as an “understandable and everyday lapse of judgement”.

The Sheriff also added that it was a “particular tragedy” that Mr McLeod lost his life while working with his father.

He wrote: “It was an understandable and everyday lapse of judgement which had cruel and catastrophic consequences for Robert McLeod and his family.

“It is clear that Robert McLeod and Ean McLeod had a very close relationship.

“Witnesses describe them as working together on the family farm for many years. They were always seen together, and they always got on well together.

“It is therefore a particular tragedy that Robert McLeod lost his life when working with his father.

“I wish to express my deepest condolences to Mr and Mrs McLeod for their immeasurable loss.”