Richard Dyson and Simon Midgley

Dear Mr McLoughlin,

Thank you for sending on your Regulation 28 report regarding the Cameron House Hotel fire. Strengthening fire safety remains a priority and the Scottish Government continues to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) work to reduce fires and fire fatalities. This includes learning from incidents and investigations, including your report, albeit Regulation 28 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 does not extend to Scotland (the coroner system only applying in England and Wales). The following is a summary of the safety actions for Scotland that have and will be taken following the fire.

The Scottish Government’s Fire safety guidance for existing premises with sleeping accommodation was published in 2018. The guidance was produced to assist those who have responsibility under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 for fire safety in certain premises with sleeping accommodation in Scotland. It recommends that the premises management should have an Emergency Fire Action Plan in place specific to the premises that should include procedures for:

 checking whether the premises have been evacuated; and  for meeting the SFRS and passing on details of the incident, including whether all persons are accounted for.

The Scottish Government will work with SFRS to consider updating the guidance to make it more explicit that an accurate guest list, whether paper or digital, should be maintained to aid in ensuring all guests are evacuated; as well as for passing on relevant details to SFRS.

In terms of the actions taken by SFRS following the fire, operational matters are for SFRS. Scottish Ministers appoint a Chair and other members to serve as members of SFRS, collectively referred to as the Board. The Board provides strategic direction, support and guidance to the SFRS ensuring that it operates effectively and that the Scottish Government’s priorities are implemented.

Tha Ministearan na h-Alba, an luchd-comhairleachaidh sònraichte agus an Rùnaire Maireannach fo chumhachan Achd Coiteachaidh (Alba) 2016. Faicibh www.lobbying.scot

Scottish Ministers, special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. See www.lobbying.scot

Taigh Naomh Anndrais, Rathad Regent, Dùn Èideann EH1 3DG St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG

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SFRS regularly inform my officials of the actions they are taking to strengthen fire safety in the hotel accommodation sector including:

 Refreshing wider prevention and protection awareness within SFRS and disseminating key points from the investigation internally.

 Working with the hotel sector to ensure that lessons are learned.

 Engaging with Dutyholders to ensure they are aware of their fire safety responsibilities and the potential consequences of failing to address any shortcomings.

 Preparing a public education campaign on fire action plans and escape routes.

SFRS Enforcement Officers continue to support and advise those responsible for the safety of their premises wherever possible to achieve compliance in line with the Scottish Regulator’s Strategic Code of Practice.

I will ensure I receive updates from SFRS on hotel fire safety during our regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.

I hope this response is helpful to you and thank you again for taking the time to send on your recommendation.

ASH DENHAM