QC to chair Edinburgh Council death inquiry

A Queen's Counsel is to lead an inquiry following the sudden death of an employee of the City of Edinburgh Council whose body was found at Salisbury Crags.

Susanne Tanner QC will chair the independent inquiry, which in addition to the circumstances of the death will also look at the culture within the council.

The inquiry was announced following the discovery of a man’s body at Salisbury Crags in August. Its terms of reference have still to be finalised in consultation with the council's political leaders, but depute leader Councillor Cammy Day said that an "important element" would involve hearing from staff on any concerns they might have, and he urged anyone who wanted to share information to come forward.

A QC since 2016, Ms Tanner's areas of practice include public inquiries and fatal accident inquiries, reparation, criminal and regulatory matters. She is a certified arbitrator, mediator and a tribunal chair. She will be assisted by a UK investigation team from legal firm Pinsent Masons, who have been ensuring that all governance arrangements are in place to allow the inquiry to proceed on an independent basis.

Council leader Adam McVey said: "The appointment of Susanne Tanner to head this inquiry will be welcome news for everyone. She commands great respect in the legal profession and her experience, ability and impartiality is unquestionable."

He added: "We expect to finalise a very clear and thorough terms of reference, setting out exactly what we are aiming to achieve through this inquiry – getting the assurance we need as elected members as well as identifying recommendations for positive changes that can be made to strengthen the culture of the Council."