A retired builder has died following an incident involving a digger.
The man, named locally as John Mowat, died behind the wheel of the old machine while working on land near Newmachar.
It is thought the 68-year-old was putting a new drain into the field beside his home at South Waulkmill Farm.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Mr Mowat – who is understood to have got married “not long ago” – could not be saved.
Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are now investigating.
Neighbours said Mr Mowat, who ran RJ Mowat Building Contractors before retiring, kept to himself and had been working in his field for the last few days.
Four police cars were parked outside the house, with a police cordon set up.
The small orange and white digger could be seen alongside mounds of earth and another piece of building equipment in the grass field near the house.
Inspector Darren Bruce said: “A 68-year-old male working in a field on his own land has sadly passed away.
“The man was within the vehicle when the emergency services arrived on the scene.
“It’s thought nothing has gone wrong with the machinery but the cicrumstances are still unclear and it is too early to say what happened but there are no suspicious circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
He added: “We are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal in due course, as is the case with all sudden deaths.”
Local councillor Martin Ford said: “I’m sorry to hear of the accident which will be very sad for Mr Mowat’s family.
“There will be an investigation to figure out the circumstances.”
And a spokesman for the National Farmers Union Scotland also extended his sympathies to the family.
He added: “First and foremost, the community’s thoughts will be with the family and friends of Mr Mowat.
“Without knowing the details around this tragic accident, the fact that a life has been lost will sadly serve as a sharp reminder to all those who live and work on farms and crofts that this a hazardous industry and the safety of farmers, family and staff must be a consideration at all times.”
An ambulance spokesman said: “We received a call at 9.05am to attend an incident at Waulkmill Farm in Newmachar.
“We dispatched one ambulance, our special operations team and wildcat responders to the scene.”
A fire service spokesman said two crews had been sent to to the scene.
