Dumfries farmer, 71, dies in hospital after accident

A fatal accident inquiry has been launched following the death of a farmer in the south-west of Scotland.

Derek Roan, 71, died in hospital from injuries sustained at Barnbarroch Farm near Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, on Sunday (19 June).

Mr Roan was well known within the farming industry, and the Roan family has been milking pedigree Holstein cows at Barnbarroch since 1891.

In a statement, the family said: “We are totally devastated and still in shock to what has happened, and it will take some time for us to come to terms of not having him around.

“All Derek’s hard work was for his two passions in life – his family and his farms. He will be sadly missed by all.

“We would like to thank everyone for sending their condolences during this difficult time for us.”

Mr Roan was married and had three children and six grandchildren.

‘A real stalwart’

NFU Scotland (NFUS) paid tribute to Mr Roan, who was a past chair of the Stewarty branch and the Dumfries and Galloway region.

NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the whole Roan family at this horrid time.

“Words are never enough in these dreadful circumstances but, in Derek, NFU Scotland has lost a real stalwart.

“He was a member who, for many years, went above and beyond to represent farming at a local, regional and national level.”

Mr Kennedy said Mr Roan had been an excellent chairman and was also a skilled debater, who could eloquently share his views at local and national events.

Colin Ferguson, the Dumfries and Galloway regional chair, added: “The loss of Derek has sent shock waves through the region and beyond. 

“He has been at the helm of a farming business that is steeped in dairying, but has also embraced change and diversification, developing into an award-winning family business, Roan’s Dairy, that is recognised across the country.” 

Police Scotland said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a report had been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and would be making inquiries into the circumstances.