Prominent Scottish farmer killed in accident

Tributes have been paid to NFU Scotland’s former livestock board convenor Jim Sharp who has been killed in an accident on his farm in the Scottish Borders.

Mr Sharp who was 67 died on Monday 17 March. He had been working with a grain auger at the time the accident occurred.

HSE Scotland told Farmers Weekly it had launched an investigation alongside Scottish police but was unable to give further information on the circumstances that led up to the incident.

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“As a man he had a sharp intellect and a level of experience which was of real value in serious conversation but also a generosity and love of life which made him great company.”
NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller

NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said: “Jim has left his mark on farming in the borders through his skill energy and attention to detail. His stockmanship among his hill sheep and husbandry on low ground demonstrated Scottish farming at his best.

“As a man he had a sharp intellect and a level of experience which was of real value in serious conversation but also a generosity and love of life which made him great company. Often softly spoken he contributed to debate in a positive way; his thoughts were of real value at both local and national level where he gave his time to the union and the community.

“Jim was an ambassador for all that as good in farming. He gave a lot to our industry, the borders community and the union. Most importantly, he was a great friend that so many of us will miss. Our sympathy must be with his family.”