HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities, Steven Torrie QFSM, was instructed by the Scottish Government to undertake an Inquiry into the Alison Hume Tragedy.
This instruction was given under powers afforded by Section 44 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. This Inquiry reviewed the manner in which Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is now carrying out its functions in relation to the issues raised in Sheriff Leslie's report. It also reviewed whether appropriate steps have been taken, or require to be taken, by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and across the Scottish fire and rescue services to address the findings of the Sheriff's report, thereby minimising the likelihood of this kind of tragedy happening again.
In particular, the Inquiry reports on:
- whether the policies, procedures and practice now in place in Strathclyde Fire and Rescue adequately address the issues raised in the Sheriff's report;
- whether the conclusions of the Sheriff's report gives rise to concerns affecting wider emergency operational response arrangements in Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and if so the steps taken by it to address these;
- whether the Sheriff's findings have implications for the Scottish fire and rescue service as a whole; and an assessment of whether lessons have been learned; and
- any other recommendations as to action which should be taken by the current eight Fire and Rescue Services and the proposed new single fire and rescue service.
Inquiry Process Outline Document
The Inquiry report has now been provided to Ministers and is available by clicking on the following link to the Publications section of the Scottish Government website.
A press release from Steven Torrie QFSM, Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities is available by clicking on the link below.
2008 Galston Mine Incident - Report Issue Press Release
Media Enquiries
All media enquiries should be directed to Erlend Barclay on 0131 244 3232 or by e-mail erlend.barclay@scotland.gsi.gov.uk