Death investigations

FAI court process begins for the death of a Stirlingshire farm worker

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of Alistair Blair.

Mr Blair, 64, a farmhand employed by Graham's The Family Dairy, died on 4 November 2024 after sustaining fatal injuries in an incident at a storage shed at Birkenwood Farm near Kippen.

A Preliminary Hearing is set for 11 December 2026 at Stirling 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, 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.       

Debbie Carroll for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland's independent deaths investigation authority, said: 

“The death of Alistair Blair occurred while in the course of his 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.            

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

Further information 

For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide.