Inquiry to be held into death of Edward Cairney, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming

A date has been set for the inquiry into the death of Edward Cairney, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming two decades ago.

Cairney was jailed for life alongside co-accused Avril Jones in 2019 after being found guilty of killing Ms Fleming at their house in Seacroft, Inverkip, at some point between December 18, 1999, and January 5, 2000.

The duo were supposed to look after Ms Fleming and her body has never been found.

Ms Fleming, who would have been 38 and had learning difficulties, has not been seen for 20 years and lived in “disgusting and uninhabitable” conditions when she stayed with her killers.

The pair were found guilty of tying her up, cutting her hair short and depriving her of food before eventually murdering her.

Margaret Fleming's body has never been found. — Margaret Fleming’s body has never been found. Handout

Jones continued to claim £182,000 in benefits until it finally emerged that Ms Fleming was missing in October 2016.

The killer died behinds bars at HMP Edinburgh, aged 82, on October 15, 2023.

The Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held on March 30, 2026 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said:  “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Edward Cairney occurred whilst he was in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.        

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.”