The FAI follows the prosecution and conviction of James Kennedy in June 2019 for the culpable homicide of Joanne Gallacher, 33. Kennedy attacked and killed Ms Gallacher with a knife at his Biggar home on 21 December 2018 after she went to check on his welfare.

A preliminary hearing is set for 12 July 2023 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Procurator fiscal Katrina Parkes, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The lord advocate considers that the death of Joanne Gallacher occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.

“An FAI will allow a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal’s wider investigations with interested parties. The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of an independent judicial determination.”