Investigation launched into spate of farm deaths in Scotland

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Scotland is launching a new fatal accident inquiry into a number of recent farm deaths, all involving falls from height.

In total, six fatalities will be investigated in detail, all of them having occurred in the past four years.

See also: Safety plea after 18 people killed on farms this year

The aim of the inquiry is to determine the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, the inquiry will seek to establish facts rather than apportion blame.

A preliminary hearing will be held on 19 November at Falkirk Sheriff Court. 

‘Sad reminder’ 

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations, said the tragic deaths were a sad reminder of the danger of working at height.

“It is my hope that this inquiry will raise awareness on safe practices when working at height,” he said.

“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” 

The people who lost their lives are named as:

• Alan Brisbane, 60, who owned and ran A and K Farming in Stirling, who died in September 2023 after falling while working alone in a barn.
• Charles Emslie, 71, who owned and ran a farm in Aberdeenshire, who fell through a grain store skylight in September 2024.
• Colin Gibson, 62, who died in April 2022 having previously fallen through the roof of a cow shed he was repairing on a farm in Peterhead.
• Hugh MacPhail, 75, who owned and ran Callachally Farm, Isle of Mull, and died in July 2023 after falling through the roof of a sheep shed he was repairing.
• Dale Pattinson, 36, director of DWP Roofing and Cladding, who died in August 2023 after falling through a cattle shed skylight on Bassendean Farm, Scottish Borders.
• James Smith, 74, who owned and ran Bowhouse Farm, Stewarton, and died in August 2024 after falling through a cow shed roof.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) said: “Falling from height remains one of the most common causes of farm fatalities and it is especially concerning that five of the six individuals involved were aged 60 and over.

“Beyond the devastating personal impact to the families and communities, the industry also loses invaluable knowledge and experience with every life lost.

“As we enter storm season, we urge everyone to avoid working on fragile roofs and to never take unnecessary risks when working at height.

“No matter your experience, safety must always come first – your safety – because no job is worth a life.”

Advice on working safely at height is available on the Health and Safety Executive website.