Top Scottish farmer killed in farm accident
Bruce Ferguson with the Queen at the Turriff Show. A highly respected and popular Scottish farmer has been killed in a farm accident.
Bruce Ferguson, who was president of the world-renowned Turriff Show, died at Ardmiddle Farm, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday (7 March).
Police Scotland confirmed Mr Ferguson, 61, died suddenly following an industrial accident at the farm.
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A force spokesman said there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating reports that Mr Ferguson died after falling into a grain storage tank. It is understood his son Andrew discovered his body.
Former first minister Alex Salmond, Scottish National Party MSP for Aberdeenshire East, led tributes to him.
He said Mr Ferguson’s death was a “real blow” not just for the Scottish farming community, but for the entire Turriff community.
Mr Ferguson, who had been involved in the Turriff Show for more than 20 years, was a stalwart of north-east farming and a former adviser and lecturer at the North of Scotland College of Agriculture.
Mr Ferguson was appointed secretary of the Turriff Show – the north-east’s premier agricultural event – in 1994. He was elected president in time to welcome the Queen to last August’s 150th anniversary event.
“No words are adequate to express our feelings of sadness and loss. He will always be an unforgotten and true hero within our agricultural industry.”
Lorna Paterson, NFU Scotland
Only five months ago, the Royal Northern Agricultural Society honoured him with a medal for outstanding service to the farming industry. The judges said he always went “beyond the call of duty”.
NFU Scotland described Mr Ferguson as “first and foremost a dedicated family man, followed closely by Bruce, the charitable, community man”.
The union’s north-east regional manager Lorna Paterson said the success of Turriff Show could largely be attributed to his passion and determination and his ability to lead and organise his supporting board and other volunteer members.
She added: “Our thoughts are with Kate, Andrew, Lisa and all other family members at this horrendously sad time.
“No words are adequate to express our feelings of sadness and loss. He will always be an unforgotten and true hero within our agricultural industry.”
Mr Ferguson is survived by his wife, Kate, their son Andrew and daughter Lisa.