Cow butt caused tourist's death

The Highland cow was accompanied by a calf

A tourist died hours after being head-butted by a Highland cow while on holiday in the north of Scotland.

A fatal accident inquiry heard that Brian Williams, 74, was tossed into the air by the cow, which had a young calf.

The incident happened in August 2003 during a family walk on the Inverinate Estate in Wester Ross.

Mr Williams, from Hertfordshire, was taking a blood-thinning drug, which a post-mortem examination found was a potential factor in his death.

Brain haemorrhage

The inquiry in Dingwall heard that he was treated at Broadfoot Hospital and was flown to Glasgow's Southern General.

Mr Williams, a grandfather-of-two who lived in Westfield, St Albans, died from a brain haemorrhage.

Giving evidence, animal health officer Charles Moir said a cow was more likely to be aggressive if it had a young calf.

The inquiry continues.