The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed the decision by Scotland’s Crown Office to proceed with criminal hearings into the death of firefighter Ewan Williamson but disappointed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to fight the case.
Ewan Williamson lost his life in a fire at the Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh over five years ago but many unanswered questions remain about the incident, and as yet no one has been held accountable.
John Duffy, regional secretary of the FBU in Scotland, said: “Something is clearly wrong with our legal system when it can take this length of time before Ewan’s family can understand how he died.
“Ewan’s family, friends and colleagues have found the past five years particularly distressing as many questions about the tragedy remain unanswered.
“Until this trial is complete, and lessons are learned, other firefighters will be at risk of a similar incident.”
Roddy Robertson, executive council member of the FBU in Scotland, said: “Our Brother paid the ultimate sacrifice doing the job he loved.
“Ewan will never be forgotten and the thoughts of all FBU members are with his family and friends, who for five years have campaigned for justice.”
