Tragic workshop death of Invergordon man (50) set to be probed at fatal accident inquiry

AN investigation into the death of an Easter Ross man who died following a workshop accident is set to begin later this year.

Kenneth Begg, who was 50, died on April 15, 2021 after an accident in a workshop at Auchintoul Farm, Invergordon.

The father-of-two suffered multiple injuries after becoming entangled in a horizontal boring machine.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed today it has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the circumstances of his death.

A preliminary hearing is set for December 8 at Tain Sheriff Court.

The inquiry is scheduled to be held on February 27 and 28 next year.

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish 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.

It is anticipated that the inquiry will consider any precautions which could reasonably have been taken and which might realistically have resulted in the death having been avoided and any defects in any system of working which contributed to the death or any accident resulting in the death.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Kenneth Begg 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 Begg’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”