The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the 2020 Carmont train derailment, which claimed the lives of three men in north-east Scotland, is now expected to conclude in under two weeks, Aberdeen Sheriff Court has heard.

The Aberdeen to Glasgow service derailed on 12 August 2020 after striking a landslide near Carmont, Aberdeenshire, following heavy rainfall. Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, were killed. Network Rail later admitted a series of failings linked to the accident and was fined £6.7 million.

Court officials confirmed that evidence in the FAI, originally estimated to last up to 12 weeks, is now likely to be completed within two weeks after extensive discussions and a narrowing of issues. Alex Prentice KC, representing the Crown, told the court that the progress reflected focused preparations. Preliminary court dates were reserved from 26 January to 13 February, with additional hearings scheduled for 23–27 February. Sheriff Lesley Johnston described the process as making “good progress” and noted that a venue for the FAI is yet to be confirmed. A further preliminary hearing is set for 22 December.

On the fifth anniversary of the tragedy earlier this year, the RMT union highlighted ongoing safety concerns, calling for “urgent action” to improve rail standards. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s 2024 annual report revealed that eight of 20 safety recommendations, including improvements to control room capability and drainage design, remain “open.” Network Rail stated that “meaningful progress” had been made.

The train had been returning to Aberdeen after being unable to complete its original journey due to heavy rain. A recording of the driver querying with a signaller about speed adjustments revealed he was told it was safe to continue at normal speed. The train collided with landslide debris, derailed, and struck a bridge parapet.

During a High Court case in Aberdeen in 2023, Network Rail admitted multiple maintenance and inspection failures and acknowledged it had failed to warn the driver that part of the track was unsafe or advise reducing speed. Lord Matthews noted that no penalty could compensate for the families’ losses. Law firm Digby Brown later confirmed that nearly £1 million in civil claims against Network Rail had been settled.

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