A WELL-KNOWN sheep farmer in the Scottish Borders has been killed in a horrific accident involving a grain auger.

Jim Sharp, 66, was operating the machine on his farm near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Monday.

An investigation has now been launched by the Health and Safety Executive into the cause of the accident involving Mr Sharp, who is a former National Farmers Union Scotland livestock board convener.

NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said: "Jim has left his mark on Borders farming through his skill, energy and attention to detail."

Police Scotland said they were called to the scene at about 1.40pm and they have passed details of the incident on to the Health and Safety Executive.