Stone mason secures £3.5 million in damages

Both conditions are caused by inhaling small particles of stone dust.

Gordon Walters, originally from north east Scotland, trained as a stone mason with Scottish Development Department of the Scotland Office in the 1980s and worked extensively on the renovation and maintenance of Elgin Cathedral.

During that time he was exposed to significant amounts of stone dust with little or no breathing safety equipment provided. After leaving, Mr Walters worked on other projects but with proper access to safety equipment.

During the mid 1990s, he was forced to give up his career after being diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. He was then further diagnosed with the lung condition Silicosis.

After approaching his trade union, the PCS, his case was referred to Thompsons Solicitors Scotland who established, with the help of respiratory consultants, that Mr Walters was exposed during his time at Elgin Cathedral. Mr Walters’ condition has meant completely life changing health problems which require full time comprehensive care. The size of his damages reflect this.

He said: “The Silicosis and SLE I have developed through Historic Scotland’s negligent actions has put me through absolute hell. It’s ravaged my body and means I have to be supported and cared for in almost every aspect of my daily life. The damages I have received will make it possible for all the proper care I need to be put in place but if only Historic Scotland has abided by accepted safety standards my life would have been entirely different.”

Mr Walter’s lawyer is Claire Campbell, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors who specialises in cases involving industrial lung disease. She said: “What this disease has done to Mr Walters is truly appalling. Silicosis and SLE are extremely cruel conditions but can be prevented by making sure people working with stone are properly protected. Historic Scotland completely failed in their duty of care to Gordon and the size of his damages reflect the sheer scale of that failure.”

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS union, added: “We’re pleased to have helped secured this settlement for Gordon. We will continue to fight for our members well-being what ever the issue.”