One of Scotland’s top businessmen has been left “devastated” after his father died in a tragic accident at his north-east factory.
Alfie Cheyne was crushed by a lorry at the HQ of engineering firm Ace Winches near Turriff.
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 operated his own articulated lorry.
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 is also survived by son Kenneth. He was described as an “adored granda” to Rebecca, Bethany, Denver and Lewis.
A statement released by Ace Winches said he had “regrettably passed away as a result of a tragic incident”.
It added: “Everyone at Ace Winches is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking event and Alfie sen will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts are currently 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, and considering him a close friend, my thoughts are very much with his family at this time.”
Alfie Cheyne jun is a member of the board of development body Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef).
Its chairman, Tom Smith, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the accident and our thoughts are with Alfie and his family at this difficult time.”
Inspector John McCluskey, of the Turriff and district community policing team, said: “Our inquiries are ongoing into this tragic incident and our thoughts are with his family, friends and workmates at this very difficult time.
“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive confirmed it was also involved in the investigation.
She said: “We are aware of the incident and are investigating alongside Police Scotland. Our teams travelled to the scene today to begin our investigations.”
Emergency services were called to the scene of the accident at 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 the vehicle and got out of the cab.
It is thought the lorry continued to move and pinned him against a wall.
He was treated by a doctor and paramedics at the scene before being taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary