When Christopher “Pasqual” Norris, 50, died in hospital on July 8, the cause of his death was not known. But tests have shown that anthrax was the most likely cause.

Mr Norris, a Buddhist who lived alone at Stobs, near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, made sculptures, bongos and decorative items, importing untreated animal hides.

His is the first human case of anthrax in Scotland for almost 20 years, and the first death for more than 30.

Mr Norris became ill early last month and died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after developing septicaemia. His house has been sealed off and an incident control team set up.

Health Protection Scotland said that the disease was not passed from person to person and there was no reason to suppose the public was at risk.

A spokesman said: “NHS Borders is tracing the man’s relatives and other individuals known to have had access to the building. They are being assessed for risk of infection, with appropriate action being taken as required.”

Last night officials had identified 30 people who they believe visited Mr Norris recently, ten of whom have been given a course of antibiotics.

Explore Health News

• Swine flu

Times Recommends

• UK regional accents thrive against the odds
• ‘Scarecrow’ wind farms put rare birds to flight
• What an anti-climax: G-spot is a myth