Both Mr Drysdale, 65, and Mr Greenshields, 68, died in hospital after contracting Covid while in legal custody within HMP Perth.

A preliminary hearing will be held on 6 March 2025 at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for the Crown Office, said: “The lord advocate considers that the deaths of Alexander Drysdale and George Greenshields occurred in similar circumstances, both deaths being attributable to the Covid-19 virus contracted whilst in legal custody and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.”