One of Scotland’s top businessmen has been left “devastated” after his father died in a freak accident at his north-east factory.
Alfie Cheyne was crushed by a lorry at engineering firm Ace Winches’ HQ near Turriff in Aberdeenshire.
The 71-year-old was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died in hospital.
Mr Cheyne was a haulage contractor for more than 50 years and ran his own articulated truck.
His son, also Alfie, founded Ace Winches in 1992. Earlier this year, he was named chief executive of the year at the Scottish Business Awards.
The company’s new premises were formally opened in August by Princess Anne, who also presented the firm with its second Queen’s Award for international trade just three years after it won its first.
In a family statement, the Cheynes said: “We convey our absolute devastation at the sudden, tragic loss of our dearly loved husband, dad and granda Alfie. Alfie was a well-liked and respected character known to many.
“He served Scottish road haulage for more than 50 years. Alfie will be sorely missed by us all.”
Mr Cheyne sen lived with his wife Gladys at Crossfields, near Turriff and was also survived by son Kenneth. He was described as being an “adored granda” to grandchildren Rebecca, Bethany, Denver and Lewis.
A statement released by Ace Winches said: “Everyone is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking event and Alfie sen will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Gladys, immediate family, close friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
As a mark of respect the business remained closed yesterday.
Gordon Mearns, owner of local firm Turriff Agri Parts, described Mr Cheyne’s death as a “disaster” for his friends and family.
He said: “The business community in this area is very close-knit and Alfie’s work covered many areas before he retired.
“It is an absolute disaster and having known him for the best part of 30 years, my thoughts are very much with his family.”
Alfie Cheyne jun is a member of the board of development body Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef). Its chairman, Tom Smith, said: “Our thoughts are with Alfie and his family.”
Inspector John McCluskey, of the Turriff and district community policing team, said: “Our inquiries are ongoing into this tragic incident.
“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed it was also involved in the investigation.
Emergency services were called to Towie Barclay Works in Auchterless, near Turriff, shortly after 5pm on Wednesday.
It is understood Mr Cheyne had been driving an articulated low-loader and had stopped it and got out of the cab. It is thought the truck continued to move and pinned him against a wall.