A dairy farmer has been killed in an accident at a north-east farm.
The 58-year-old, named locally as Philip Reid, was last night described as a “well-liked” man who would be a great loss to the Udny community.
It is believed a wall collapsed on him during demolition works at Newseat of Dumbreck Farm, near Pitmedden.
Last night, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed an investigation into the tragedy was under way, shocked neighbours and the wider community paid tribute.
A neighbour close to Mr Reid said: “When I heard the news it was total and utter shock, I saw the fire engines and the police but I never imagined it would be something like this.
“Phil was a great neighbour and I had known him for many years, it will definitely be a loss in our community and my thoughts are with the family.”
Another added: “The whole thing is devastating.
“I would always see him out and about on his tractor and he’d wave, but today it was quiet and that will take some getting used to.”
Mr Reid’s family were too upset to speak about the tragedy, which happened at about 5.15pm on Wednesday.
But at the farm yesterday, police tape could be seen cordoned off a huge pile of rubble and cracked stone alongside a yellow excavator.
A local mechanic in Pitmedden said work at the farm had been going on for “some time” and said Mr Reid’s death was “sad news for everyone”.
He said: “Phil was well-known locally.
“It was a terrible accident, from what I know they had been doing some demolition works on the farm for some time and I think that’s what did it.
“They were doing works and something fell on him, it’s really sad news for everyone that knew him.”
Councillor Paul Johnston added: “The individual was well known in the farming community, it is a tight-knit community and everybody knows everybody else. It will be a shock to everyone who knew the person.
“Many people are very upset. It will be extremely upsetting for other farmers and people in agriculture around about.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed inquiries into the incident were ongoing.
“We received a report of a man being injured following an incident within a dairy farm in Udny at around 5.15pm on Wednesday,” she said.
“Police attended along with other emergency services and sadly the man, aged 58, died.”
An HSE spokeswoman added: “An inspector attended the scene today and we are investigating along with Police Scotland.”
