Fatal Accident

[ann255]

I am trying to find out details of a serious  road traffic accident which happened on 3rd July 1979 in Campbeltown.  The driver was Basil Arthur Cornwell who I believe died at the scene and his passenger, his wife  Marie, who survived. They were airlifted to Southern General Hospital Glasgow. They came from Brighton and were on holiday in Scotland.

Information of where I might find details of coroners report would be greatly appreciated, or any other information.  Many thanks.

[Forfarian]

You will not find any coroners' reports, because there are no coroners in Scotland. Nor would there have been an inquest, because there is no such thing as an inquest in Scotland.

There might have been a Fatal Accident Inquiry, if the Procurator Fiscal deemed it necessary for any reason. See http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/08/6417/1

If I were you I would start by contacting Argyll and Bute Archives https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/archives and asking them for their advice on how to proceed.

[ev]

Looks like his death was registered in Scotland , from Scotlandspeople -
Basil Arthur Cornwell , age 54 , 1979 Campbeltown Argyll , mother's maiden surname Miller.


ev

[hdw]

You could also subscribe to the British Newspaper Archive and look for a newspaper account of the accident -

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/?ds_kid=43700029750963433&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzeiFrYmV3AIVArDtCh34yQYcEAAYASAAEgJwnPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COSTzLCJldwCFYa1UQodzSgMNw

The Herald (formerly the Glasgow Herald) would be one place to look.

I've never understood why the authorities in Scotland are so reluctant to set up a Fatal Accident Inquiry, and when they do, it's usually several years after the event, when people's memories have become unreliable.

Harry

[ann255]

Thank you all for your help and ideas, lots to pursue.

[barryd]

He was born West Derby (Liverpool) in 1924. His mother's maiden name Miller on Scottish Documentation is confirmed on his English Birth Certificate details. Free BMD.

[CaroleW]

You probably already have this but his wife Marie Winifred Cornwell nee Orchard born 28.7.1919 died February 2005 Kent.  No will but grant of administration

[Forfarian]

I've never understood why the authorities in Scotland are so reluctant to set up a Fatal Accident Inquiry, and when they do, it's usually several years after the event, when people's memories have become unreliable.

I think it's because an FAI is only required if there is an unexplained circumstance, or some other aspect of the death that it is in the public interest to investigate. A death resulting from a straightforward road traffic accident would not fit either of these criteria.