A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the death of estate worker Sheena McLure, who died following a quad bike crash at Kilchoan Estate near Melfort, Argyll and Bute, on December 29, 2023. The 51-year-old from Oban was employed as a housekeeper on the estate and had previously worked for the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh.
Preliminary hearing scheduled
A preliminary hearing will take place at Oban Sheriff Court on Thursday, September 3, to begin the inquiry process. The FAI will examine the circumstances of Ms. McLure's death, particularly focusing on risk assessments and controls related to the use of unroadworthy off-road vehicles on the estate.
Purpose of the inquiry
The purpose of the FAI is to determine the cause of death, the circumstances in which it occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar situations. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial and aim to establish facts rather than apportion blame.
Crown Office lodges First Notice
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to initiate the court process. Debbie Carroll from COPFS stated: “The death of Sheena McLure occurred while in the course of her employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff. Ms. McLure’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
