Andrew McCallum Pirie
Scotland — FAI
Workplace
2 recommendations
Determination
| Reference | [2026] FAI 4 |
| Published | 29 January 2026 |
| Sheriff | Sheriff Andrew Miller |
| Date of death | 25 June 2020 |
| Location | Dunnottar, Aberdeenshire |
| Cause of death | Struck by large section of tree trunk during tree work |
Recommendations 2
PDF
Addressed to:
Arboricultural Association
The Arboricultural Association considers whether there are further steps it can take to maximise awareness within the arboriculture industry throughout the UK of the contents of the Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture, and in particular section 3.4.6. If there are further steps it can take to that end, I recommend that those steps be taken. I have also recommended that the Arboricultural Association considers whether the code of practice requires to be amended or revised in light of the circumstances of the death of Andrew Pirie, as set out in this determination.
No mandatory response mechanism — unlike PFD reports (England & Wales), recipients are not required to respond.
About FAIs
Fatal Accident Inquiries are held under the 2016 Act before a sheriff. They are mandatory for deaths in custody and at work. The sheriff may make recommendations under s.26(1)(b) but there is no enforcement mechanism.