Mr Ewan, an 87-year old farmer from Ferniebrae Farm, Barras, Stonehaven, died in hospital on the evening of 16 June 2025 after being struck by a cow while loading cattle onto a lorry earlier that afternoon.
The inquiry was a mandatory inquiry since the death of Mr Ewan occurred while in the course of his employment.
The purpose of an inquiry is to establish the circumstances of the death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, provided detailed and comprehensive evidence to the Inquiry on the facts and circumstances of Mr Ewan's death.
Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s independent deaths investigation authority, said:
“The Sheriff’s Determination highlights the importance of assessing the risks associated with cattle handling, particularly for older farmers.
“Cattle can behave unpredictably and even routine tasks can have tragic consequences.
“Farmers should consider this tragic case as an opportunity to review livestock handling arrangements.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Ewan’s family at this time.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s