Katie and William both died while in legal custody at Polmont HMYOI. An FAI is mandatory under Section 2(4)(a) of the Inquiries into the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016.

A preliminary hearing will be held on Tuesday 11 July 2023 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC said: “I acknowledge the deep anguish that the deaths of Katie and William have brought to their families. I met with Katie’s mother and father and William’s mother and brother and having listened to them talk about their experiences I fully appreciate that the wait for these proceedings has been too long and distressing for them.

“My hope is that this Inquiry provides them with the answers that they are looking for and helps to prevent similar deaths in the future.

“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has introduced a number of reforms designed to reduce the time it takes to investigate deaths, improve the quality of such investigations, and improve communication with bereaved families. As part of these reforms, a specialist custody deaths investigation team has been set up to focus on cases such as those of Katie and William.”