FAI into Cameron House blaze to begin
The inquiry into the blaze at the luxury Loch Lomond resort in which Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson died is due to begin at Paisley Sheriff Court today.
A fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of two men at a luxury hotel on Loch Lomond is due to begin today at Paisley Sheriff Court.
Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson died in December 2017 at Cameron House.
The fire started after a night porter placed a plastic bag of ash in a cupboard containing kindling and newspapers.
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Cameron House
Cameron House on Tuesday, following a major fire there on Monday December 18
The hotel operator was fined £500,000 for health and safety breaches and 35 year-old Christopher O’Malley was given a community payback order at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in January 2021.
It comes after the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service originally ruled out a Fatal Accident Inquiry however this decision was later reversed following a sustained campaign by Simon’s mother, Jane Midgley.
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Inquiry is a 'landmark moment'
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “This is a landmark moment for the families of those who lost loved ones as a result of this tragic incident and, although it is disappointing that it has taken so long for this FAI to start, it is imperative that lessons are learned from the clear failings at Cameron House.
“From the court case last year, the families of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson already know that their deaths were avoidable. It is vital now that this inquiry focuses on setting out clear guidelines so that the failings by Cameron House and prior warnings given by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which were not heeded, are never repeated again. It is also important that staff are adequately trained to prevent such incidents.
“As always, my sympathies are with the loved ones of Simon and Richard who will be relieved that this hearing is finally happening however any findings will not take away the heartache suffered as a result of their deaths. It might however avoid other families having to suffer similar tragic events.”
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