Ruth Charteris KC

Ms Charteris said: “I would again wish to acknowledge the deep anguish that the deaths of Katie and William have brought to their families and appreciate that the wait for these proceedings has been too long. 

“Since their deaths, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has introduced 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. 

“There is much more that can be done across the whole of the justice system to improve how deaths in custody are investigated, and the Crown is committed to contributing to that. 

“I hope that these proceedings provided the families with the answers they sought, and the sheriff’s determination helps to prevent similar deaths in the future.” 

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for the Crown Office, said: “Katie and William’s deaths have been a devastating loss for their families. They have my profound sympathy for all they have suffered.  

“The sheriff’s determination, which makes recommendations in relation to ligature prevention and the sharing and recording of information, is extensive and detailed. 

“The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation which gave careful consideration to questions of criminal responsibility and took account of the views of the families and acted on them throughout. 

“The procurator fiscal service will continue to keep in contact with the families and their legal representatives and answer any questions they may have about the determination.  

“My thoughts remain with the families at this difficult time.”