Sheriff rules on Kelso farmer’s accidental death
A sheriff has declined to make any recommendations following a legal probe into the death of a Borders farmer crushed by a hay bale more than two years ago.
Seventy-eight-year-old Thomas Edgar was killed on the morning of September 5, 2024, at his Linton Bankhouse Farm near Kelso, while attempting to transport a bale of hay from a shed.
A fatal accident inquiry was held at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last month because the death happened during Mr Edgar’s employment.
The inquiry heard that his unresponsive body was found lying on the ground by a neighbour with the large bale approximately two feet away.
A post mortem revealed the cause of death as chest and abdominal injuries.
In his determination Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “It is reasonable to infer that the injuries sustained by Mr Edgar were caused by the bale.”
But he explained it was only speculation on how the accident occurred and the Crown had not established how it happened.
The sheriff said therefore no conclusion could be reached, adding: “It follows from this no recommendations can be made.”
Sheriff Paterson said: “Sadly this inquiry is yet another example of how dangerous the farming environment is.”