Inquiry after cow kills tourist

A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the death of a tourist killed after being butted by a Highland cow.

Brian Williams, 74, was struck by the cow after he walked close to the animal's calf on the Isle of Skye.

Mr Williams, of St Albans, in Hertfordshire, died in hospital in Glasgow on 28 August, 2003, a day after the freak accident near Loch Long.

The incident happened on a private road in an estate operated by a management company in London.

Procurator fiscal Roderick Urquhart said the issue of livestock management will be looked into during the fatal accident inquiry to be held at Dingwall Sheriff Court on 28 April.

He said: "It is unusual. It seems the man got too near to the cow and her calf so the cow went over and allegedly gave him a dunt.

"The family want to know why cattle were left unattended in an area used by tourists. The family are also questioning the adequacy of the signs."

Mr Williams did not seek medical treatment immediately, but became unwell after returning to his holiday accommodation in Plockton, Wester Ross, with his wife.

It is believed he suffered a brain haemorrhage after arriving at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.