Tributes from across Galloway and beyond have poured in following the tragic death of Colvend farmer Derek Roan.
It is understood that Mr Roan, 71, was attacked by a cow while working at Barnbarroch Farm on Sunday.
He was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary but later died.
A short statement from his distraught family prompted a huge wave of public sympathy.
The family said on the Roan’s Dairy Facebook page: “It is with deepest sadness to announce, following a tragic accident at Barnbarroch Farm the death of Derek Roan, beloved husband to Kathleen, devoted father to Stuart, Steven, Leeanne, father-in-law to Aylett, Tracey and Tony and proud Papa to Fergus, Fraser, Andrew, Lucy, Daisy and Skye.
“We are totally devastated and still in shock to what has happened and it will take some time for us to come to terms with not having him around.
“All Derek’s hard work was for his two passions in life - his family and his farms.
“Derek was well known within the farming community and many other circles with his interests including being a church elder, community council chairperson, curling, Burns and the NFUS.
“He will be sadly missed by all.
“We would like to thank everyone for sending their condolences during this difficult time for us.”
As chairman of Colvend and Southwick Community Council, Mr Roan played a huge part in local life.
Vice-chairman and friend Simon Pain paid tribute to his great talent for bringing people together.
He said: “This is an absolute tragedy for all concerned.
“All I know is that it was a stock-related injury on the farm itself.
“Derek was well liked and well respected.
“He transformed the role of the community council within the community.
“He made it much more active and helped develop a whole series of projects for the good of the community.
“He played a leading role in building the new recreation ground behind Colvend Primary School.
“And he led the way in community involvement, getting people together and moving people to help one another. That was especially important during the pandemic.
“A large part of all that was down to Derek’s leadership.”
Mr Pain added: “Derek was a leading light on our community council for a number of years, most of those as chairman, and in the Church of Scotland at Colvend.
“He was also an active member of the local curling club – he was involved in all sorts of things. Please convey the community’s best wishes and condolences to the family.”
Scotland’s farming leaders paid tribute to Mr Roan’s contribution to the industry.
NFU Scotland 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.
“He was an excellent past chairman of both Stewartry branch and Dumfries and Galloway region and always ensured that all those round the table took part in any discussion and had their say.
“He was also a skilled debater who could eloquently share his views and insights, whether locally or at national events like our AGM.”
Dumfries and Galloway regional chairman Colin Ferguson 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.
“However, Derek always found time for NFU Scotland, supporting and representing fellow farmers and their views over many years, making his sad loss all the more tragic for the region. He will be sadly missed and we send our best thoughts to the Roan family.”
A police spokesperson said: “On Monday, 20 June, 2022, we were made aware of the death of a 71-year-old man in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: “HSE is aware of the incident and will be making enquiries into the circumstances surrounding it.”
His family has been milking pedigree Holstein cows at Barnbarroch for six generations.
