A pivotal Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is poised to shed light on crucial water safety practices following two distinct yet equally tragic incidents in Scotland. While one death occurred within the scenic confines of Clackmannanshire’s Dollar Glen, the other directly impacts the heart of Perth and Kinross, involving the majestic River Tay near Stanley. This joint inquiry, focusing broadly on the regulation and oversight of adventurous water activities, carries profound implications for local communities in Perthshire, where outdoor pursuits and aquatic recreation are deeply ingrained in the regional identity. The findings are anticipated to shape future safety protocols, offering a chance to prevent further heartbreak in cherished natural environments. The Tragic Loss of Kayden Walker
The first of the two cases involves the devastating loss of 12-year-old Kayden Walker, a young Glasgow boy whose life was cut short during a river boarding excursion on July 28, 2019. During a supervised outing with a community group, Kayden was separated from his board near a weir on the River Tay, just outside the village of Stanley. He subsequently became trapped against the powerful currents on the upstream side of the weir, leading to his drowning. Emergency services responded swiftly, pulling him from the water and airlifting him to a medical facility, but sadly, his life could not be saved. This incident previously led to legal action against Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd. in October 2024, when the company admitted to a contravention of health and safety legislation, specifically for failing to ensure adequate safety provisions. It was highlighted that instructors should have been strategically positioned both above and below the weir to provide immediate assistance, particularly given the known challenges of the currents and the presence of a weaker swimmer in the group. The company was ultimately fined £10,000, a penalty that was met with considerable anger and frustration by Kayden’s grieving family, who felt it did not adequately reflect the profound loss they endured. The Death of Ruaridh Stevenson in Dollar Glen
The second case under examination by the joint FAI concerns the death of Ruaridh Stevenson, a 39-year-old company director residing in Cupar, Fife. Mr. Stevenson, who operated a business specialising in adventurous water sports, met his untimely end on April 13, 2024, while leading a canyoning excursion in Dollar Glen. Canyoning, a high-adrenalin activity, involves navigating down narrow gorges by various means including walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming. During the outing, Mr. Stevenson was selflessly attempting to assist a client who had encountered difficulties within the turbulent waters. Despite his heroic efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other women involved in the incident also received medical treatment. This tragic event at the popular Clackmannanshire beauty spot immediately prompted widespread calls for a comprehensive review and enhancement of water safety measures within the outdoor activity sector. Purpose of the Joint Fatal Accident Inquiry
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has initiated this joint FAI not as a means to re-litigate criminal culpability, but as a critical public inquiry. Its fundamental purpose is to meticulously explore the full circumstances surrounding both deaths, identify the specific factors that contributed to them, and, most importantly, ascertain what reasonable precautions could have been taken to prevent these tragedies from occurring. A significant aspect of this inquiry will involve a detailed examination of the existing regulatory frameworks governing activities like canyoning and river boarding. This includes scrutinising industry standards, licensing requirements, training protocols for instructors, and the adequacy of risk assessments for various water environments. The hope is that the FAI’s recommendations will lead to tangible improvements in safety practices, establishing clearer guidelines for operators and participants alike, thereby safeguarding lives in Scotland’s waterways. Local Relevance and Community Impact
For the residents of Perth and Kinross, where the River Tay is an iconic feature and a lifeline for leisure and tourism, the implications of this inquiry are particularly pertinent. From the bustling white-water rafting centres on the upper Tay to the serene stretches favoured by anglers and kayakers, water activities are integral to the region’s appeal. The lessons drawn from these tragic events, and the subsequent recommendations, will undoubtedly influence safety management not only on the Tay but across other popular Perthshire aquatic destinations such as Loch Tay, Loch Earn, and the River Tummel. This inquiry serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with even seemingly benign outdoor pursuits and the constant need for vigilance and robust safety measures to protect both locals and the countless visitors who flock to enjoy Perth and Kinross’s stunning natural landscapes. The community’s collective hope is that these proceedings will honour the memory of those lost by fostering an environment where future generations can enjoy Scotland’s waters with greater security. Upcoming Proceedings
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks underscored the rationale behind consolidating these two inquiries, highlighting their shared context within water-based outdoor activities. He affirmed that the families of both Ruaridh Stevenson and Kayden Walker will be kept fully informed as the court proceedings advance. The formal commencement of this crucial public inquiry is marked by a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 2, 2025, at Falkirk Sheriff Court. This date signals the beginning of a process aimed at reinforcing water safety standards and preventing future fatalities in similar circumstances.
The first of the two cases involves the devastating loss of 12-year-old Kayden Walker, a young Glasgow boy whose life was cut short during a river boarding excursion on July 28, 2019. During a supervised outing with a community group, Kayden was separated from his board near a weir on the River Tay, just outside the village of Stanley. He subsequently became trapped against the powerful currents on the upstream side of the weir, leading to his drowning. Emergency services responded swiftly, pulling him from the water and airlifting him to a medical facility, but sadly, his life could not be saved. This incident previously led to legal action against Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd. in October 2024, when the company admitted to a contravention of health and safety legislation, specifically for failing to ensure adequate safety provisions. It was highlighted that instructors should have been strategically positioned both above and below the weir to provide immediate assistance, particularly given the known challenges of the currents and the presence of a weaker swimmer in the group. The company was ultimately fined £10,000, a penalty that was met with considerable anger and frustration by Kayden’s grieving family, who felt it did not adequately reflect the profound loss they endured. The Death of Ruaridh Stevenson in Dollar Glen
The second case under examination by the joint FAI concerns the death of Ruaridh Stevenson, a 39-year-old company director residing in Cupar, Fife. Mr. Stevenson, who operated a business specialising in adventurous water sports, met his untimely end on April 13, 2024, while leading a canyoning excursion in Dollar Glen. Canyoning, a high-adrenalin activity, involves navigating down narrow gorges by various means including walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming. During the outing, Mr. Stevenson was selflessly attempting to assist a client who had encountered difficulties within the turbulent waters. Despite his heroic efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other women involved in the incident also received medical treatment. This tragic event at the popular Clackmannanshire beauty spot immediately prompted widespread calls for a comprehensive review and enhancement of water safety measures within the outdoor activity sector. Purpose of the Joint Fatal Accident Inquiry
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has initiated this joint FAI not as a means to re-litigate criminal culpability, but as a critical public inquiry. Its fundamental purpose is to meticulously explore the full circumstances surrounding both deaths, identify the specific factors that contributed to them, and, most importantly, ascertain what reasonable precautions could have been taken to prevent these tragedies from occurring. A significant aspect of this inquiry will involve a detailed examination of the existing regulatory frameworks governing activities like canyoning and river boarding. This includes scrutinising industry standards, licensing requirements, training protocols for instructors, and the adequacy of risk assessments for various water environments. The hope is that the FAI’s recommendations will lead to tangible improvements in safety practices, establishing clearer guidelines for operators and participants alike, thereby safeguarding lives in Scotland’s waterways. Local Relevance and Community Impact
For the residents of Perth and Kinross, where the River Tay is an iconic feature and a lifeline for leisure and tourism, the implications of this inquiry are particularly pertinent. From the bustling white-water rafting centres on the upper Tay to the serene stretches favoured by anglers and kayakers, water activities are integral to the region’s appeal. The lessons drawn from these tragic events, and the subsequent recommendations, will undoubtedly influence safety management not only on the Tay but across other popular Perthshire aquatic destinations such as Loch Tay, Loch Earn, and the River Tummel. This inquiry serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with even seemingly benign outdoor pursuits and the constant need for vigilance and robust safety measures to protect both locals and the countless visitors who flock to enjoy Perth and Kinross’s stunning natural landscapes. The community’s collective hope is that these proceedings will honour the memory of those lost by fostering an environment where future generations can enjoy Scotland’s waters with greater security. Upcoming Proceedings
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks underscored the rationale behind consolidating these two inquiries, highlighting their shared context within water-based outdoor activities. He affirmed that the families of both Ruaridh Stevenson and Kayden Walker will be kept fully informed as the court proceedings advance. The formal commencement of this crucial public inquiry is marked by a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 2, 2025, at Falkirk Sheriff Court. This date signals the beginning of a process aimed at reinforcing water safety standards and preventing future fatalities in similar circumstances.