Further tributes were paid yesterday to the Caithness man who died while working high inside a 200ft wind turbine as an investigation into the accident continued.
Maintenance worker Colin Sinclair, 27, from Thurso, a member of a prominent family in the local farming scene, was found unconscious near the top of one of the turbine towers on Wednesday morning at Causewaymire windfarm.
Rescuers fought in vain to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Sinclair, who was well known in the far north ploughing circuit, lived by himself at 14 Calder Drive, Thurso.
He was part of a team from contractors Siemens working at the RWE npower Renewables’ site, just south of Spittal.
It is understood an aspect of the inquiry will centre on the safety harness Mr Sinclair was wearing when the accident happened.
The Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) was informed and one of its officers arrived yesterday.
Mr Sinclair, whose family come from Castletown, moved into the house at Thurso in October 2007.
Before starting work with Siemens, he worked for a year at the pig-rearing business at Greystones, near Watten.
Mr Sinclair is the son of Iain and Vivien Sinclair, who live in Thurso.
Mr Sinclair is president of Caithness Agricultural Society and presided over this summer’s county show, and his son Colin inherited his father’s passion for ploughing and vintage tractors.
He was a regular competitor in events in Caithness and Easter Ross.
Like his father, he also took an active part in the arrangements for the annual county show.
Family friend Jim MacMillan, vice-president of Caithness Agricultural Society, said the death had come as a major shock to the far north farming community.
Mr MacMillan, East Durran, Castletown, said: “For the past few years, Colin has been a willing worker for the week before the show, setting it up and afterwards helping clear up.
“He was a huge help on the show side and will be a big miss.”
Mr MacMillan added: “In giving his time without thought, he was following on from his father.
“I’m sure he would have gone on to become heavily involved with the show for many years.”
The Sinclairs used to farm at Lochquoy, which adjoins Mr MacMillan’s holding.
Sandy Mackay, who chairs Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club, said yesterday: “Colin was an avid ploughman – I think that was his main hobby.
“As well as competing, he put a lot of work in helping organise the new event for novices we ran in February.”
Mr Mackay, of Buldoo, Dounreay, added: “He was the type of man who was always willing to give you a hand – nothing was too much trouble for him.”
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