Fire safety law named in memory of Cameron House victims

Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson were killed in the Cameron House blaze

Sprinklers could be mandatory in old buildings converted to hotels in Scotland, if a new fire safety law - named in memory of two men killed in a major blaze - is passed.

The fire at Cameron House, on the banks of Loch Lomond, claimed the lives of London couple Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson on 18 December 2017.

In the aftermath, the Scottish government agreed to consider the safety recommendations of a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) for new and existing hotels.

Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan said that if the law is approved by MSPs, it would be known as "Simon and Richard's Law" to honour the men.

The fire broke out at the luxury resort in West Dunbartonshire after a night porter left a bag of ash in a concierge's cupboard containing newspapers and kindling.

More than 200 guests were evacuated from the property, but Mr Midley, 32, and Mr Dyson, 38, could not escape.

The inquiry into their deaths heard it was a "real or likely possibility" that if sprinklers had been installed they would have been able to safely leave the building.

The blaze ripped through Cameron House hotel in December 2017

The safety measures were announced after the housing minister met Mr Midgley's mother Jane last week.

Ms McAllan said: "Simon and Richard's Law will ensure that any future conversions of historic buildings in Scotland into hotels will be required to have sprinklers installed.

"This is part of a package of work we are taking forward as a result of the Cameron House hotel fire to reduce the risk of a tragedy like this happening again.

"I want to pay tribute to the Dyson and Midgley families and the strength of Ms Midgley for her tireless campaigning over the last few years to improve the laws that govern fire safety in Scotland."

Other safety changes will see a ban on combustible external wall cladding systems extended to include hotels, guest houses, hostels and boarding houses.

The law will come into effect in April next year if approved by MSPs.