A tragic incident at Myrehead Farm highlights serious safety lapses by a contractor, leading to the deaths of two workers and injuries to others.
The company responsible, Fernbrooke Scotland, admitted to serious safety failures. They left the wall unsupported after demolishing the byre.
The wall was about nine feet high and had been left standing for years. When the workers were digging a trench, the wall suddenly gave way.
Peter Walker, 53, and James Henderson, 48, were killed instantly. It was a devastating scene, and emergency responders struggled to locate Mr. Walker due to the severity of his injuries.
Two other workers were also hurt. David McNeil suffered a fractured spine and has ongoing mobility issues. Charles Johnstone took over a year to recover from his injuries.
Investigations revealed that no proper safety measures were in place. The company failed to check the wall’s condition before starting work.
Fernbrooke Scotland pleaded guilty to not ensuring the workers’ safety. They expressed deep regret and have since stopped similar projects.
The court will decide on penalties in January. The families of the victims are heartbroken, and the community mourns their loss.
