The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is to determine the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what lessons can be learned to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
The inquiry considered issues around the safety of guests and building fire safety.
Following the publication of the determination, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said:
“We welcome the sheriff’s determination.
“We acknowledge the deep and ongoing grief that the deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson have brought and understand that the wait for these proceedings to conclude has been extremely difficult and distressing for the families.
“From the outset the Crown has been committed to ensuring the facts and circumstances surrounding these deaths were thoroughly investigated by the relevant agencies, fully considered by specialist prosecutors, and aired in court, and now at a Fatal Accident Inquiry.
“The sheriff’s determination made important recommendations in relation to fire suppression systems for historic buildings and the need for improved guidance to raise awareness on fire safety and risk assessment
“The procurator fiscal service will continue to keep in contact with the families and answer any questions they may have about the determination.”