TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved farmer who died following a farming accident at the weekend.

John Hamilton, who farmed Aikengall Farm, between Oldhamstocks and Innerwick, was killed when a piece of farming machinery overturned on Sunday afternoon.

The 57-year-old suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Hamilton, who was married to Vanessa and had three sons, James, Charlie and Harry, joined the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society (RHASS) as a director in 2005 and had continued in that role ever since.

Alan Laidlaw, of Gifford, is RHASS chief executive, and said: “As a much-loved character, John brought so much to the RHASS team and will be sorely missed by us all.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Mr Hamilton was also a former president and honorary president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association.

David Shedden, the current president of the association, was “shocked” by the news.

He said: “I can hardly believe it has happened to be perfectly honest with you.”

Mr Hamilton, who was head sheep steward at the Royal Highland Show, was president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association in 2014 and 2015.

Mr Shedden told the Courier that his colleague was someone he could turn to whenever he needed advice.

He added: “It is a sad, sad affair and he will be greatly, greatly missed.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in East Lothian responded to a farm near Garvald at around 1.25pm on Sunday after a plant vehicle overturned.

"A 57-year-old man sustained serious injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this death and a report has been submitted to the Crown Office.

"As is standard procedure, the Health and Safety Executive have been informed."