Farm worker Neil Abercromby dies in tractor accident
A 70-year-old farm worker has died in a tragic accident in rural Perthshire.
The tractor involved in the tragedy.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 06.07.10
- Published online : 06.07.10 @ 09.28am
Neil Abercromby, from the Forfar area, was spreading seed in a field near Glencarse on Monday evening when his tractor tumbled down a steep hill.
Witnesses, who described hearing a "loud bang," said he was crushed by the large seed drilling machine, which was torn from the vehicle as it fell.
The emergency services rushed to the scene, near Pitlowie House, shortly before 5.30pm.
Fire crews from Perth fought to free Mr Abercromby from the wreckage but paramedics pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police officers secured the area to begin investigations into how the accident occurred.
It is believed Mr Abercromby worked for an agricultural firm who leased the land from the owners of Pitlowie House.
One local resident, who asked not to be named, spoke of her shock.
The woman said, "It's a real tragedy — nothing like this has ever happened round here.
"The farm workers would often pass by my house and give a wave. It's awful to think a life has been lost."
The land has been used by tractors for many years but the woman questioned whether Sunday's heavy rain might have been a contributory factor.
"Parts of the field are very steep but the men are quite used to it.
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"The grass is quite long just now and with the sudden rain you wonder if it made the ground slippy.
"My thoughts go out to the family involved."
Another resident said the workers were preparing the 10-acre plot for livestock later in the year.
"It's shocking. We got a call from a neighbour who heard a loud bang and ran out to investigate.
"A local farmer rents the land and was preparing it for grazing. He will be devastated."
Tayside Fire and Rescue remained on the scene late into the night to ensure it was safe.
A spokesman said, "The heavy trailer was in an unsecured position on arrival and the crew from Perth attached a winch to ensure it would not fall further down the hill.
"They carried out a risk assessment of the field and waited for a recovery team to remove the vehicles."
A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
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