Edward Cairney, a prisoner within HMP Edinburgh, died on 15 October 2023.
Mr Cairney was in legal custody and in the care of the state at the time of his death.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is obliged to investigate such deaths, and a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.
A preliminary hearing is set for 2 December 2025.
The Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held on 30 March 2026 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred; and to establish what steps, if any, could have been taken 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.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Edward Cairney occurred whilst he was in legal custody 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.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide