Eljamel inquiry hearings expected to begin in September

Inquiry chair Lord Weir said the Scottish government was working to resolve building safety issues at Waverley Gate, which forced the postponement of hearings originally scheduled for April.

The inquiry team became aware of concerns about the building last year, but Jamie Dawson KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, said it was not until February that it “became apparent” to Lord Weir that the issue posed a “real risk” to those attending hearings.

In an update on Friday, Lord Weir said he expected the first stage of hearings to proceed over four weeks from September 7. He said preparations would now begin, including contacting witnesses, with a provisional timetable due to be issued next week.

The Scottish government plans to resolve the issue by entering into a new lease covering the inquiry offices, hearing room and access corridor. Lord Weir said he had been advised this would make the premises safe for public use without the need for construction work.

While he said he could not guarantee the timetable would be met, Lord Weir added: “The Inquiry team will continue to monitor progress against milestones which the scottish government has set out. If there is any material slippage from the expected timetable, explanations and immediate solutions will be sought. In the meantime, I have instructed my team to make contact with the witnesses whom the Inquiry intends to call at the section 1 hearings immediately so that a provisional timetable for the September hearings can be issued to core participants for their comment next week.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the pain and distress experienced by people impacted by mr el jam el’ s practice. that is why we established the statutory public inquiry to ensure patients get the answers and justice they deserve. We understand the frustration caused as issues relating to the building are resolved. The Scottish government has been working collaboratively with the inquiry teams, City of Edinburgh Council and the landlord of Waverley Gate to develop a solution that would allow inquiry hearings to take place in person as soon as safe to do so.”