Fatal Accident Inquiry to be held into farmer’s death after quadbike incident

A Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held into the death of a farmer who died following an accident involving a quadbike.

Andrew Rennie, 75, died on November 27, 2024 after the accident which happened while he was bringing in sheep from a field.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for an FAI into the death.

Mr Rennie was farmer and owner of West Torphin Farm in West Calder, West Lothian.

The FAI is mandatory as the accident happened in the course of Mr Rennie’s employment.

A preliminary hearing for the FAI will take place virtually from Livingston Sheriff Court on December 12.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Andrew Rennie occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“Mr Rennie’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.