Frank Crawford, 68, fell down a staircase in a pub and suffered catastrophic injuries. The court superintendent had only hours earlier been celebrating his retirement at a party in Parliament Hall.

Among the attendees celebrating his long service at the event last month, including working at Camp Zeist for the Lockerbie trial, were senior judges.

Following the party, Mr Crawford and some friends went to a bar, where he fell. Paramedics treated him at the scene and took him to the Royal Infirmary where he sadly died of a brain injury after four days in intensive care.

His wife Kathryn said in an online tribute to him: “After the best, magnificent retirement affair in Parliament Hall, which was attended by so many from all walks of life, a testament to how much Frank was loved and respected, he had the most horrific accident.

“He has been on life support for a few days but he was never going to survive these injuries. He passed away peacefully today at 2:30pm.”

She added: “It’s just overwhelming. We’re in disbelief. I hope he knew how much people loved and respected him.”

Mourners paid tribute to him at his funeral last week at Warriston Crematorium.

A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: “It is with great sadness we learned that Frank Crawford, court superintendent, Supreme Courts, sadly passed away on Wednesday, November 27.

“Frank was a respected and much loved colleague and an integral part of the Supreme Courts team at Parliament House in Edinburgh for over 33 years. Frank’s dedication, experience and character will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts are with Frank’s family and friends at this time.”

A life-long Hibs fan, he was a member of the Hibernian Community Foundation. It said in a statement: “The foundation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of dedicated volunteer and much-loved community member Frank Crawford.

“Frank was a life-long Hibee and was committed to volunteering at all community meals he could attend; a bright spark for all community meal attendees. A truly valued member of the Hibernian family.”