Widow of Fallen Firefighter Voices Fury Over Prolonged Investigation Delays
The widow of a firefighter who lost his life battling the devastating Jenners department store blaze has launched a scathing attack on what she describes as "unacceptable and abhorrent" delays in the investigation into his death. Shelley Martin, whose husband Barry died in January 2023, spoke out at a press conference in Glasgow, expressing her family's ongoing anguish and demanding urgent intervention from Scotland's top legal officer.
A Family's Devastation and a Call for Justice
Shelley Martin detailed the profound impact of her husband's death, stating it had "devastated" her family, particularly her twin sons who were just eight years old at the time. "My children have been forced to grow up much faster than they should have," she said, describing the burden placed upon them. Barry Martin, a 38-year-old devoted family man and proud firefighter, was critically injured while fighting the large fire at the former Jenners building in central Edinburgh and died days later on January 27, 2023.
Allegations of Institutional Failure and Cover-Up
Joined by her lawyer, Aamer Anwar, Mrs Martin accused the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) of seeking to "bury and cover this up." Mr Anwar asserted that Firefighter Martin was sent into the building "unprepared and unequipped" and was the least experienced member of his four-man breathing apparatus team. Mrs Martin expressed anger at the service's conduct, labelling it "typical, institutionalised behaviour" and criticising their shift into "risk management" in dealing with her. She also highlighted what she called "callous language," noting the SFRS now refers to Barry only as her "late husband" rather than by his name.
Direct Appeal to the Lord Advocate Over Crown Delays
The central thrust of Mrs Martin's criticism is aimed at the pace of the official investigation. She has made a direct appeal to the Lord Advocate to expedite decisions regarding potential criminal investigations. "The Crown delays are unacceptable," she stated, revealing she was told a decision might not come until autumn this year. "It made me question the efficiency of the process," she added, vowing to continue her fight not only for her family but for every firefighter who risks their life daily.
Official Responses from Authorities
In response, Andrew Watt, Deputy Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Firefighter Martin's family and all of those affected by the tragic incident." He emphasised that the Jenners fire remains subject to an ongoing and active investigation led by Police Scotland and overseen by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), making it inappropriate for SFRS to comment on specific claims.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service acknowledged the family's "deep loss" and desire for answers. A spokesperson confirmed they have received two prosecution reports from the Health and Safety Executive and stated: "COPFS are considering the circumstances of Barry's death thoroughly and independently as we seek to establish what happened, consider the question of criminality and issues of safety." They described the investigation as "complex and detailed" and pledged to continue sharing significant developments with the Martin family.
Nearly three and a half years after the tragedy, the Martin family's wait for conclusive answers and accountability continues, casting a long shadow over one of Scotland's most tragic firefighting incidents in recent memory.
