The death of a farmer in a tractor accident, which may have involved his dog, is to be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

Harry Emslie, 67, was found dead on Brae of Coynach Farm, near Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire in June 2008.

Both Grampian Police and the HSE described the tragic incident at the time as “unexplained”.

It is understood that Health and Safety officials have been investigating whether a dog could have accidentally activated the controls of the tractor.

The inquiry into his death is to be held at Peterhead Sheriff Court on 19 December.

Mr Emslie was a champion cattle breeder and show judge. He won numerous awards across Britain for prime cattle and his entries often won on the carcass circuit as well.

Described as a “larger-than-life” character, he was one of Britain’s leading farmers, running one of the north-east of Scotland’s biggest cattle operations.