HELENSBURGH’S MSP has pleaded with Scotland’s senior law officer to provide closure in the ongoing investigation into the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire, as the second anniversary of the devastating blaze approaches.
Jackie Baillie raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament last month, asking the Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, when the Crown Office will release its findings from the inquiry into the December 2017 fire, which claimed the lives of Londoners Simon Midgley, 32, and Richard Dyson, 38, just days before Christmas.
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After speaking in the chamber in September, Ms Baillie said: “I am disappointed that we are no further forward in understanding what happened at Cameron House two years ago.
“The families of the victims have been incredibly patient as investigations continue, but they really do deserve answers.
“As we approach the second anniversary of the fire, I am urging the Crown Office to make progress with the investigation at the very earliest opportunity and provide some closure to this devastating ordeal.”
In a letter circulated by Ms Baillie last week from James Wolffe QC, the Lord Advocate said: “In previous correspondence in respect of this matter, I advised you that investigations into this incident, as directed by a Senior Advocate Depute, were continuing.
“Those inquiries remain ongoing, and the Crown awaits receipt of final reports from the various agencies which are currently carrying out investigations.
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“Procurators fiscal assigned to this investigation, and the Senior Advocate Depute, have continued to meet with investigators from those agencies, and maintain regular contact with them.
“Contact with the families has also been ongoing, by telephone, and through meetings with both families.
“The families are kept up-to-date with significant developments, and staff will meet with families as and when that may be of assistance.
“As I have advised previously, standing the particular complexities associated with this investigation, it is not possible to provide any definitive timescale as to when I anticipate any decisions on court proceedings can be taken.
“Once final reports have been received from all relevant agencies, procurators fiscal will consider the evidence and make recommendations to the Senior Advocate Depute who has overseen and directed this investigation from the outset.
“Once that report has been produced, decisions on proceedings can be taken.”
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Ms Baillie added: “While I appreciate that it is right and proper that the criminal justice process is allowed to run its course, to ensure that the investigation is thorough, it has now been almost two years with no answers.
“The families of those who lost their lives have been incredibly patient but it is disappointing that the Lord Advocate could give no inclination of when a decision may be reached.
"I hope that another Christmas doesn’t go by without answers for the families, and for my constituents.”
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