IT is now exactly three years since the terrible night in 2013 when a police helicopter fell out of the sky on to The Clutha pub in Glasgow, killing 10 people and injuring more than 30 others. The pub has since reopened and reclaimed its place as one of the city’s most beloved institutions, but what still has not happened after all this time is a fatal accident inquiry.

Quite rightly, the relatives of those who died are asking why it is taking so long. One of them, 70-year-old Ian O’Prey, whose son Mark was among those who died in the disaster, even fears he may not live long enough to see the inquiry. Thompsons, the law firm that is representing some of the victims and their families, also says their clients are confused and upset by the fact a date for the start of the inquiry has not been set.

The confusion and anger is understandable. In 2009, Lord Cullen carried out a review of the FAI system and all his recommendations were implemented, including the establishment of an FAI team to oversee and track progress in all cases in which an FAI is mandatory or is likely to be recommended.

But concerns about the time it takes to start FAIs have persisted. On average, inquiries in Scotland are taking up to three years to establish, even when criminal investigations are not active. And when criminal investigations are being conducted, FAIs can take up to six years to establish.

Everyone understands the complex details of a case can sometimes take time to sort out, but the Crown Office itself has acknowledged more could be done to reduce delays in FAIs. The Crown Office must also recognise the survivors and relatives of those who died may only be able to come to terms with what happened when they know a thorough investigation has been carried out. Instead, three years on from Clutha, we have only an unacceptable delay in starting the inquiry that serves to deepen existing concerns about the current FAI system.