Probe launched into death of Sheena McLure in quad bike accident at Scottish estate
A Preliminary Hearing is due to take place at Oban Sheriff Court on September 3.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held into the death an estate worker who died following an accident involving a quad bike.
Sheena McLure, 51, died on December 29 2023 following the incident at the Kilchoan Estate, near Melfort, Argyll and Bute.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has now lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for an FAI into the death.
A Preliminary Hearing is due to take place at Oban Sheriff Court on September 3.
The FAI will explore the circumstances of Ms McLure’s death with an anticipated focus on risk assessments and controls relating to the use of unroadworthy off-road vehicles.
Debbie Carroll of COPFS said: “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.”
The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.