Step forward for Harvester inquest

Moves to encourage the owner of the Solway Harvester to give evidence at the inquest into the deaths of the seven crewmen have taken a step forward.

Richard Gidney had declined a request to come over to the Isle of Man, but arrangements are being made for the proceedings to take place in Scotland.

Procedural matters have been set down for June 9, and the week commencing June 23 has been set aside for Mr Gidney to be questioned.

The arrangements have been made following an application by the Island's Coroner of Inquests, Michael Moyle, to the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Sheriff Principal Lockhart, the Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, has set the dates, and the hearing will take place at Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court.

The seven crewmen of the Scottish scallop dredger drowned when the vessel sank off the east coast of the Isle of Man in January 2000.

(Picture: The Solway Harvester in Douglas Harbour last month).