Incident Overview
A farmer in West Lothian died after losing control of a quad bike, with a sheriff confirming that a cardiac arrest preceded the accident.
Andrew Rennie, aged 75, was working at West Torphin Farm on 27 November 2024 when he sustained force chest and abdominal injuries during the incident.
His son, Gavin Rennie, discovered him at the bottom of a steep embankment. Gavin attempted resuscitation and called emergency services, but Andrew Rennie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fatal Accident Inquiry Findings
Following a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), Sheriff Colm P Dempsey stated that no precautions could have prevented the death.
The inquiry revealed that on the morning of the accident, Andrew Rennie had been tending livestock alongside his son. Around 11:30 AM, he set out alone on his quad bike to bring sheep in from a neighboring field.
When Andrew did not return as expected, Gavin went to search for him and found him lying on his back. The quad bike was upright and positioned in a direct line from a steep embankment.
Sheriff's Remarks
"Andrew Rennie was a 75-year-old man who was much loved by his family and friends.
He had grown up on a farm and was a highly skilled and experienced farmer.
Standing Mr Rennie's experience in the use of quad bikes, together with his knowledge of his land, he would not have deliberately travelled down the steep embankment.
I express my condolences, along with those of the Crown, to the family and friends of Mr Rennie."
The sheriff did not issue any recommendations following the inquiry.
