Inquiry to be held into farmer's combine harvester death

An inquiry is to be held into the death of an 83-year-old farmer in a combine harvester accident in the Borders.

John Kirk, of Bettyfield Farm, Kelso, died on 24 September last year after getting trapped on the vehicle's metal grate step.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed it had started the process for a fatal accident inquiry.

A preliminary hearing will be held on 5 August at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The purpose of an FAI is to determine the cause of death and its circumstances and establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken and could be implemented to avoid similar accidents in future.

Unlike criminal proceedings, it is used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks said: "The death of John Kirk occurred while in the course of his employment and as such an FAI is mandatory.

"The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

"Mr Kirk's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."