The organisers of Scotland’s biggest Highland show have denied breaking health and safety laws, including an incident that resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland are accused of eight charges of contravening the Health and Safety at Work Act between October 2005 and November 2009.
At Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday, Peter Gray QC, representing the society, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The indictment includes an allegation that the society failed to ensure that moveable concrete bollards at the Ingliston Showground were stabilised by clamping or otherwise as necessary for the purposes of health and safety. The charge goes on to allege that on June 19, 2008, three-year-old Ben Craggs fell and seized hold of a rope connecting two of the bollards, which caused one to overturn and hit him on the head, causing severe injuries, as a result of which he died.
Ben and his parents had travelled from County Durham to attend the opening day of the show to exhibit livestock.
After the accident, the youngster was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, but died from his injuries.
The trial is due to begin on November 17, and is expected to last four weeks.