The family of Emma Caldwell, whose murder went unsolved for 19 years, are due to meet the justice secretary ahead of a public inquiry.
The 27-year-old was reported missing from Glasgow on April 4, 2005, with her remains found in Limefield Woods near Roberton, South Lanarkshire, the following month.
Serial rapist Iain Packer was ordered to serve a minimum sentence of 36 years in February 2024 following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow where he was found guilty of murder.
Police ScotlandPolice Scotland apologised to the family and Packer’s other victims, saying they were “let down” by policing in 2005. Chief constable Jo Farrell said she backed calls for a public inquiry into the force’s failings during the case.
An independent inquiry into the handling of the murder investigation was ordered to take place by the Scottish Government.
Justice secretary Angela Constance confirmed that Lord Scott KC, a senator of the College of Justice, will head the inquiry.
Emma’s family had called for a judge from outside Scotland who had not served the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for full impartiality.
Police ScotlandThey are due to meet Constance to discuss the scope and purpose of the investigation.
The family solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said: “Margaret Caldwell, mother of Emma Caldwell, along with her family and their solicitors, Aamer Anwar, April Meechan, and Rebecca Lyle are to meet with the cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1.30pm to discuss the Public Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
“The family will arrive with their legal team around 1.20pm. The meeting is expected to last one hour. A full statement will be issued outside following the meeting around 2.40pm.”
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