A tragic incident in Coylton, Ayrshire, has left a family devastated after their beloved pet pony, Molly, was killed in a car crash. The pony’s owner, George McEwan, claims that Scottish Power workers left a gate open, allowing Molly to escape onto a busy road where she was struck by a vehicle. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the utility company. Scottish Power has denied responsibility, stating that their workers left the gate as they found it.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred when Scottish Power workers accessed George McEwan’s field to perform maintenance on pylons. According to McEwan, the workers failed to properly secure the gate when they left, resulting in Molly and another horse escaping. The other horse managed to return to the field, but Molly wandered onto the Whitletts roundabout, where she was hit by a car. The collision caused significant damage to the vehicle and resulted in Molly’s death.
George McEwan, who owns 25 horses and ponies, was devastated by the loss of Molly, a five-year-old pony that his 16-year-old son Joe had been caring for. The family had purchased Molly at the Appleby horse fair, and she was just reaching the age to be bred. The incident has left Joe heartbroken, as he had formed a close bond with the pony.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, McEwan contacted Scottish Power to report the issue. He claims that when the workers returned to the field, they changed their story multiple times, initially denying any wrongdoing. McEwan has expressed frustration with the company’s response, stating that they have refused to take responsibility for the accident.
Community Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The local community has rallied around the McEwan family, expressing their support and calling for Scottish Power to be held accountable. Neighbors and fellow horse owners have voiced their concerns about the safety practices of utility workers accessing private property. The incident has highlighted the need for stricter protocols to ensure that gates and other access points are properly secured after maintenance work is completed.
Many residents have shared similar experiences of utility workers leaving gates open, leading to potential safety hazards for both animals and people. The McEwan family’s ordeal has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of companies like Scottish Power when working on private land. There are calls for the company to review and improve their procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Local animal welfare organizations have also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding animals from preventable accidents. They have offered support to the McEwan family and are advocating for better training and accountability measures for utility workers. The incident has underscored the need for greater awareness and care when working in areas where animals are present.
Scottish Power’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
Scottish Power has issued a statement expressing sympathy for the McEwan family’s loss but has maintained that their workers did not breach their duty of care. The company claims that the gate was left in the same condition as it was found, and they have denied any negligence on their part. However, this response has not satisfied the McEwan family or the local community, who are demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.
The McEwan family has called for an independent inquiry to determine the exact circumstances that led to Molly’s death. They believe that a detailed investigation will reveal the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The family is also considering legal action against Scottish Power to seek justice for their loss.
In the meantime, the McEwan family is focused on mourning the loss of Molly and supporting Joe through this difficult time. They have received an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and the wider community, which has provided some comfort during this challenging period. The family hopes that their experience will lead to positive changes and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
