FAI into death of elderly man from scalding injuries in hotel bath at Pitlochry Hydro Hotel

The court process for an inquiry into the death of an elderly hotel guest in Pitlochry has begun.

Wallace Hunter, 75, died from scalding injuries on December 1, 2019, after experiencing difficulties in the bathroom during a stay at the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel.

Mr Hunter had been unable to get out of the bath, and any efforts to help him were hampered by a bathroom door that opened outward and was bolted from the inside.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) on Wednesday lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into his death.

The FAI will explore the circumstances of Mr Hunter’s death, with a particular focus on the cause of the discharge of scalding water into his bath, the hotel’s health and safety arrangements and their response to the emergency.

A preliminary hearing is set for September 1 at Alloa Sheriff Court.

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish 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 used to establish facts rather than to place blame.      

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Wallace Hunter occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.   

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.      

“Wallace Hunter’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”   