Inquiry into death of Scotland's longest-serving prisoner
BBCThe death of a man who was Scotland's longest-serving prisoner is to be examined at a fatal accident inquiry (FAI).
Aberdonian Arthur Duncan was jailed for the rape and murder of Linda Bull in Andover, Hampshire, in 1970. He was an 18-year-old soldier in the Royal Artillery at the time.
Duncan died at HMP Grampian in Peterhead in August 2024 aged 72, having been behind bars for more than half a century.
BBC Scotland News has learned the FAI process will begin with an initial hearing next month.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said Duncan died following a "decline in his health".
It has now lodged a first notice to begin the court process for a FAI.
A preliminary hearing will be held on 10 June at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
FAIs are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks said: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Arthur Duncan occurred whilst he was in legal custody and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory."
