Pensioner killed by Highland cow while on family holiday in Scottish village

A pensioner died in hospital yesterday after being gored by a Highland cow in north-west Scotland.

The 74-year-old Englishman, who has not been named, encountered the cow and a calf while walking along a path near the village of Plockton. The pensioner, who was on holiday with his family, was attacked by the cow on Wednesday afternoon.

He was taken to Broadfield Hospital in Skye for emergency treatment before being transferred to Southern General Hospital in Glasgow where he died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The victim was believed to be staying in a holiday home in Plockton with his family, including his son and daughter. The BBC television seriesHamish Macbeth was filmed in Plockton, an idyllic lochside village.

Highland cows are allowed to roam freely around Plockton. However, the incident is thought to have taken place on land outside the village, according to Charlie MacRae, of Plockton community council.

Mr MacRae said the victim had been in the village for about three days. "Apparently he had been out walking on a path and came across the cow, which had a calf with it at the time."

Northern Constabulary police officers in Inverness launched an investigation into the incident yesterday and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

One police source said: "I have heard of farmers being gored by cattle in the past, but it certainly doesn't happen often, particularly with holidaymakers."