Sprinkler systems are set to become a mandatory requirement for traditional buildings that are newly converted into hotels in Scotland, subject to approval of proposed legislative changes. This development follows the recommendations from the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Cameron House Hotel fire in December 2017, which resulted in the tragic deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson.

The Scottish Government’s Housing Secretary, Màiri McAllan, confirmed that the measures will be known as Simon and Richard’s Law in recognition of the victims.

Secondary legislation has now been introduced in the Scottish Parliament to implement recommendation four of the Cameron House Fatal Accident Inquiry. The proposed changes will extend the requirement for sprinkler installations to include traditional buildings that are being converted for hotel use. The existing ban on combustible external wall cladding systems will also be broadened to cover hotels, guest houses, hostels and boarding houses.

If approved by the Scottish Parliament, these new requirements will come into effect on 6 April 2026.

Hear the thoughts from Scottish Government’s Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan

Màiri McAllan stated: “The deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson in 2017 at Cameron House Hotel were a truly awful tragedy. Siobhian Brown, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, and myself met with Jane Midgley to discuss these changes. I want to pay tribute to the Dyson and Midgley families and the strength of Ms Midgley for her tireless campaigning over the last few years to improve the laws that govern fire safety in Scotland.”

McAllan added: “The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of Simon and Richard made a number of recommendations, including for the Scottish Government to introduce a requirement for sprinklers to be installed when historic buildings are converted to hotels. I’m pleased to have introduced this change in law to the Scottish Parliament.

Further, McAllan asserted: “Simon and Richard’s Law will ensure that any future conversions of historic buildings in Scotland into hotels will be required to have sprinklers installed. This is part of a package of work we are taking forward as a result of the Cameron House Hotel fire to improve public safety in Scotland and reduce the risk of a tragedy like this ever happening again.”

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