Inquiry launched into the death of Scottish keeper

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held following the death of a gamekeeper in 2022. Matthew Burden died after an all-terrain vehicle accident on the Tarland to Tillypronie Road in Aberdeenshire on 29 January 2022. The 36-year-old was employed as a gamekeeper by East Tillypronie Sporting. 

The process to hold an FAI is now under way and a preliminary hearing will take place on 24 October at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said it was anticipated that the FAI would consider the use of the seatbelt on the Can- Am Traxter and a “fault and knowledge of the fault with the driver’s door”. 

It could also look at health and safety advice for ATVs and processes and procedures for maintenance and reporting faults.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks said: “The death of Matthew Burden occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.” 

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame. The inquiry should establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.