By Dave Lord

A YOUNG farm worker tragically lost his life in an accident in Perthshire yesterday.

The 22-year-old was killed instantly after being electrocuted as he erected poly-tunnels at Mains of Rattray Farm in Blairgowrie.

The man involved is thought to be from Poland. His brother was working nearby and he identified the body.

An ambulance spokesman confirmed details of the incident, saying the man had been building tunnels in a strawberry field.

The alarm was quickly raised but the man was already dead.

Police were also contacted after the accident, which occurred shortly before 2.30pm.

As with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was quickly called and an investigation was under way last night.

“This is a major incident which we were quickly made aware of,” a spokesman said.

“We will be undertaking a full investigation of the circumstances to find out how this happened. We will also be looking to remedy the situation so that such a tragic accident cannot occur again.”

Farms surrounding Blairgowrie are well-known for fruit-picking and hugely popular with visiting workers, particularly from Eastern Europe.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney said last night, “I am deeply saddened to hear of this tragedy and would wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this young berry picker. They will of course be devastated by their loss. I would also extend my sympathy to all of those involved in this local soft fruit business where this accident happened.”

Mr Swinney added, “I hope there will be a speedy investigation to ensure lessons can be learned for the safety of all.”

Rattray and Glenshee councillor Liz Grant said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragic incident.

“Obviously this has just been an absolutely awful accident and it is just heart-breaking to hear of it,” she said.

“Fruit-picking is very popular here and we are very grateful to all the seasonal workers who come over and do so much for our local economy.

“It is truly tragic that this has happened to such a young man and my heart goes out to his family.

“A lot of people come here to earn a bit of cash during the summer berry-picking season and we are very happy to have them—this news will be incredibly hard to take for those back home in Poland.”

Ms Grant said she hoped the HSE investigation would shed further light on the incident and perhaps help to ensure such tragedies cannot happen again.

Meanwhile, Councillor Bob Ellis of the neighbouring Blairgowrie ward was similarly disturbed.

“I am very sorry indeed to hear of this tragic accident,” he said. “My thoughts are with the family of the young man involved.”