New-look fatal accident inquiries to include the deaths of Scots abroad

Major changes to the way fatal accident inquiries are carried out will be introduced later this week.

The FAI system is being modernised through the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc (Scotland) Act 2016, which comes into force on Thursday.

The legislation includes the power to hold FAIS into the deaths of Scots abroad.

Separate changes to the law will introduce mandatory FAIS for all military service deaths. New categories have been added, including children who die in secure accom- 0 Annabelle Ewing: ‘FAIS are an essential part of system’ modation, and deaths under police arrest.

Further changes include the power to reopen an inquiry if new evidence arises, and to hold a fresh one if the new evi- dence is substantial enough. Legal affairs minister Annabelle Ewing said: “We are bringing the law on FAIS into the 21st century, taking some important steps to broaden the scope of inquiries, including to deaths abroad and the deaths of military personnel on duty in Scotland.

“FAIS are an essential part of our justice system and we want to make sure they are as effective and fair as possible. Sheriffs will now play a more active role in the process, and the new act requires people and organisations to respond to recommendations made by sheriffs which will improve compliancy and accountability.”