Firm conclusions on the causes of the fatal fire at Cameron House Hotel are still needed nearly 1,000 days after it happened, MSP Jackie Baillie told the Scottish Parliament this week.
The Dumbarton Constituency MSP spoke out at First Minister’s questions over the lack of answers that have been given to the families of the two men who lost their lives.
This follows a letter which was sent to the First Minister from Jane Midgley – the mother of Simon Midgley who lost his life in the fire, along with his partner Richard Dyson.
The letter states that, despite the fire having taken place almost three years ago and Mrs Midgley’s constant requests to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal office, no charges have been brought forward and no prosecution has been launched.
Mrs Midgley says she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe anxiety due to the lack of answers that she has been given since her son’s death in December 2017.
Ms Baillie asked Nicola Sturgeon to get an update from the Lord Advocate and for the First Minister to meet with Mrs Midgley in the near future. The First Minister agreed to a meeting.
Afterwards Ms Baillie said: “The families of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson have been unable to get any sense of closure due to the time being taken by the Crown Office to come to a conclusion about the cause of the fire.
“Reports have been submitted by the police and fire service and have been on the desk of the Crown Office for about a year.
“Jane and other family members have been incredibly patient but the lack of answers is having a terrible impact on their wellbeing. As we approach 1000 days since this awful event, I am once again urging the Crown Office to show some compassion and provide these families with much-needed answers.
“I welcome the acceptance of a meeting by the First Minister and hope that this encourages progress to be made in the investigation so that these families can finally grieve the loss of their loved ones in peace.”
Ms Sturgeon told the parliament: “No matter what my personal feelings are or the anguish that I feel on Mrs Midgley’s behalf, I cannot seek to intervene in any decisions about criminal investigations or potential criminal prosecutions—it simply would not be right for me to do that.
“I know that that is always hard for victims or people who have suffered loss to understand, but I do not serve them well unless I set that out clearly.
“Again, I convey my deep condolences and sympathy to Mrs Midgley and her loved ones for what they are suffering.”
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