Friends pay tribute to farmer who died in crush

TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a farmer who died after being crushed by rubble during demolition work.

Philip Reid, 58, was believed to have been knocking down a building to make room for a new dairy shed when the tragedy happened.

Paramedics were called to the scene at Newseat of Dumbreck, near Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, after the alarm was raised at about 5.15pm on Wednesday.

Police also attended along with Health and Safety Executive staff, who have launched an investigation.

Mr Reid’s family were too upset yesterday to talk about the accident, but neighbours described it as ‘devastating’.

Lindsay Rae, 43, said the divorced father-of-three was a ‘character’, adding: ‘He was dedicated to his work and a well-liked bloke, he would help anybody.’

Robert Mitchell said had known Mr Reid for about 45 years.

‘He was a friend to everybody and a good neighbour and was involved in local dairy groups. He was also on the committee for the National Farmers’ Union representing dairy farmers in the area,’ he said.

Roddy Catto, NFU Scotland’s north-east chairman, said: ‘His family, his dairy, his football were his life. His enthusiasm for everything he did was second to none.’

Police said that investigations are continuing.