THE grieving mum whose son died with his partner in the Cameron House fire more than three years ago has pleaded with all workers and companies to take health and safety seriously.

Jane Midgley, 61, spoke out after the Crown Office performed a dramatic U-turn on their decision in April not to hold a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the tragedy.

Simon Midgley, 32, and Richard Dyson, 38, died in the Loch Lomond hotel blaze on the morning of Monday, December 18, 2017 and Simon’s mum has been fighting for justice ever since.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Simon Midgley (right) and Richard Dyson who were unlawfully killed when fire engulfed the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond on December 18 2017Simon Midgley (right) and Richard Dyson who were unlawfully killed when fire engulfed the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond on December 18 2017

Mrs Midgley said both families were devastated by the young couple’s loss, and she urged workers in any business to speak out when they have concerns about safety.

“I have nightmares every day - I relive it every day,” the mum told the Advertiser.

“I’m still in shock.

“I spoke to Simon on the Sunday. He was excited and he would be leaving the next morning. I was buzzing for Christmas.

“I was always a strong lady and a happy lady, I loved my job and family life - and I had a break down. I lost my job. No work now, no life. It just stops.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Jane Midgley with a photo of the couple before January’s sentencing hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. Pic: PAJane Midgley with a photo of the couple before January’s sentencing hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court. Pic: PA

“I have been asking questions for three and a half years and I still don’t have answers. I need to know now why my boys died the way they did.

“I’m never ever going to give up fighting.”

It took almost exactly three years before it was revealed in court last December what happened in the fire, when night porter Christopher O’Malley admitted safety failures at the high-end hotel.

He pleaded guilty to putting fireplace ashes into a plastic bag next to newspapers and kindling in a storage closet.

But the hotel also admitted its own failings, including repeatedly ignoring fire safety warnings, failing to train staff or have safety measures in place, and a catalogue of errors.

In January Sheriff William Gallacher fined the firm, whose ultimate owners are based overseas, £500,000. O’Malley was ordered to do unpaid work in the community.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The aftermath of the fire (Photo - Crown Office)The aftermath of the fire (Photo - Crown Office)

A coroner’s inquest in England concluded the men were unlawfully killed. But Scotland’s Crown Office and Prosecutor Fiscal Service (COPFS) said there was no public interest in investigating further with an FAI. They said the causes of the fire were already known.

The young couple’s families, including Mrs Midgley, appealed the decision and it was reversed last week.

Mrs Midgley, from Pudsey, Leeds, said her family were “over the moon” that an FAI was going ahead - because what happened at Cameron House could happen anywhere.

“When I was told the boys had been killed and it was all down to health and safety...I have no words,” she said.

“I believe they would still be here if things had been done properly.

“It makes me question how many companies, not just hotels but any business, really put health and safety first.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Simon Midgley, pictured with mum Jane, from Pudsey, was unlawfully killed in the Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017 alongside partner Richard Dyson. Pic: PASimon Midgley, pictured with mum Jane, from Pudsey, was unlawfully killed in the Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017 alongside partner Richard Dyson. Pic: PA

“[Cameron House] were told and told and told, and did nothing.

“I’m hoping lessons will be learned and will kick start any establishment to check training and procedures.

“They are all responsible to make sure you’re safe and they’re safe. It’s about looking after yourself and others.”

Mrs Midgley said she didn’t want Covid to be an excuse for either the delay in prosecution, or for complacency as businesses reopen.

She also condemned the practice of e-learning, particularly on health and safety matters.

The night porter at Cameron House had broad online training, but had no hands-on training for disposal of ash.

And while failed food inspections can shut a business down, three fire safety warnings to Cameron House led to no action and no enforcement.

Mrs Midgley said she had spoken to staff in other hotels and they told her they felt unsafe at times, but didn’t feel they could complain.

“Just do it,” she said. “You could save your life or other people’s lives. This is what I’m fighting for now.

“Things have got to change because it will happen again.

“Lessons must be learned. I feel an FAI will be a wake-up call to Cameron House and others.

“I would like to go into every business and say ‘this is what can happen’ - two innocent lives, young boys, just gone.”

Mrs Midgley urged everyone to both look carefully at their own safety measures and that of employers and businesses.

But she also said: “Live life today...you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

She added: “I’m not walking away from it. I know Simon would be saying we have got to save others.”

The hotel is expected to reopen later this year.