Tributes to farmer killed in accident

The 82-year-old is believed to have been working on a tractor which fell on him and locals say that he lay undiscovered for some time before his body was found by his nephew on Sunday afternoon at his home off the Rock Road.

Police say that they were contacted at about 3.45pm and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.

The PSNI called the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue who released the man using airmats.

It is the second tragedy to have struck the Scott family. Tom’s brother was knocked down and killed some years ago as he walked along the Rock Road.

Neighbour Cecil Calvert, a former Mayor of Lisburn, described the single pensioner as a very quiet, private yet jovial man who ‘kept himself to himself.’

“I have known Tom for many years since I moved to Stoneyford in 1973,” he said. “He was always a very hard working, conscientious and quiet soul.

“It is such a tragic end for such a lovely man. Everyone is shocked by his sudden death. It is very sad and everyone I have been speaking to have been totally devastated.

“His nephew was always very good to Tom, always coming to visit him. “

Mr Calvert said he often passed Mr Scott in the car or met him at a local shop.

“I would have bumped into him at Sales Corner Filling Station,” he said. “He would have been there getting a local paper. He was in good health and he always a word for you.

“I don’t know the circumstances of what had happened but it reminds us all the importance of safety when working with machinery.”

The accident comes just weeks after another farmer was killed outside Moira in a slurry tank.

Alderman James Tinsley, another former Mayor, said he will always remember Tom sporting a cap on his head and a pipe in his hand.

“This is the second incident in a matter of weeks where a life has been claimed on a farm and I would just urge farmers to be careful” he said.

“Obviously I do not know the circumstances but I would like to say to farmers - ‘be extra careful when working with machinery’.

“We’re in the summer when farmers are rushing around trying to get things done.”

Mr Scott’s funeral was held on Wednesday at St John’s Parish Church in Stoneyford.

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