Fife quarry deaths prompt plea for action by victims’ families

The mum of a teenage boy who died at “Scotland’s most dangerous quarry” is calling for the thrill-seeking site to be drained and filled.

Yesterday marked the third anniversary of the death of Cameron Lancaster, 18, who died while taking part in the “ice bucket challenge” at the quarry in Fife.

Mum Gillian Barclay has launched a desperate plea for Prestonhill Quarry in Inverkeithing to be drained and filled.

She is also now calling for a fatal accident inquiry into her son’s death, as well the death of John McKay, 18, and Edinburgh teacher Kelda Henderson, 36.

John died in 2015 and diver Kelda drowned last month. Relatives of the victims have launched a campaign, Action for Preston Hill, to get the site turned into a recreational area.

Ms Barclay said: “There have been too many deaths at this quarry, and those of us who have lost someone there feel a great sense of regret and responsibility.

“Despite campaigning and speaking out about the dangers of this quarry, people are still being gravely harmed by it. We need more action now.

“It’s my firm belief that we should all be calling for a fatal accident inquiry into the three very recent deaths at Prestonhill Quarry.

“I think there’s enough public interest to warrant some form of formal inquiry into the reasons for these three very different deaths at the quarry.”

Ms Barclay described the quarry, which is privately owned, as “badly managed”.

Local consortium, Prestonhill Developments, is in the process of forming plans for the site’s future.

A public meeting has been called in Inverkeithing for August 29 to discuss the site.

Gillian Barclay has launched a campaign to have the site drained and filled in.