Cameron House bosses have admitted safety failings which caused a massive fire at the luxury hotel killing two guests.
The fatal fire tore through the building on December 18, 2017 after ash from an open fire was placed inside a plastic bag and then stored in a cupboard.
The luxury hotel on Loch Lomond was gutted in the early morning blaze killing guests Simon Midgley, 32, and 38-year-old Richard Dyson.
A hearing took place at Dumbarton Sheriff court today (Friday) during which guilty pleas were entered on behalf of resort management to two charges detailing a list of failings to take the necessary fire safety measures to ensure the safety of employees between January 2016 and December, 18, 2017 including:
- having no safe procedures or equipment for removing ash from the open fires and disposing of it
- no formal training for staff for removing ash from open fires in the hotel.
- failing to keep cupboards containing potential ignition sources free of combustibles
The court heard that on December 18, 2017, a night porter removed ash and embers, placing them into a polythene bag and into a cupboard containing cardboard and newspapers, whereby fire took effect leading to the hotel premises being extensively damaged and entering bedrooms, hallways and stairwells.
This also led to the injury of residents within the hotel at the time and the death of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson.
The third anniversary of the tragedy was marked just before Christmas.
The Lennox Herald spoke to Simon's mum Jane in August when she described her “torture” at having to endure almost 1000 days with no answers over the blaze which killed her 32-year-old son.
She sent a begging letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling on her to step in and progress the Crown Office-led probe into the fatal fire.
Journalist Simon and his 38-year-old partner Richard had visited the five-star resort to enjoy a festive break and planned to travel to Nottinghamshire to spend Christmas Day with Jane and her family.
Speaking proudly about Simon and Richard, Jane said earlier this year: “They were such beautiful boys. They worked hard and had everything to live for.
“Simon was such a kind, loving, caring son. He would make you feel so special and everyone loved him.
“I spoke to Simon the day before the fire and he was just full of dreams and positivity for 2018, for his future and for my future.
“I felt the happiest I had felt in years. I told him I was so proud of him and then the next day my world turned upside down.”
Detective Inspector Stuart Grainger said: "We note this conviction, which marks the latest stage in what has been a lengthy and difficult investigation for everyone involved.
"We'd once again like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson, who tragically lost their lives on Monday, 18 December, 2017.
"Our officers will continue to provide them support as this case comes to its conclusion."
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