The family of a man who was found dead after police dropped him at a remote bus stop have called in lawyers to help them fight for justice.
Scott Calder, 23, was discovered on the beach at Longniddry Bents, East Lothian, on October 14th 2018.
He had been out with friends at an Oktoberfest-themed event the night before, was heavily intoxicated and got split up from the group.
Officers picked him up, but deemed he was safe to be left alone and dropped him at a remote bus stop without a phone or wallet.
The following morning he was found dead on a beach by a member of the public.
Scott's grieving parents Brian and Karen Calder have now asked solicitors firm Thompsons to help them get justice for their son.
The couple, who are now separated, have previously criticised the police for their lack of explanation as to why they left Scott, or what inquiries they made to find out what happened to him that night.
The 53-year-olds are calling for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into Scott's death, and continue to push for answers from police about why they left Scott alone.
A death report found that Scott's most likely cause of death was drowning, but also found that he was heavily intoxicated when he died.
Patrick McGuire a partner with Thompsons Solicitors is representing the family.
He said: “Scott’s family are demanding answers and justice. They are entitled to both and Thompson’s will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in that fight.
“There are various legal routes that can be deployed. There is an unanswerable case for a Fatal Accident Inquiry. We will also consider the police complaints route if that is required and the current information we have shows there is the basis to pursue a compensation claim.
“Nothing will bring Scott back. But we will do everything we can to ensure that the truth is discovered, those responsible are held to account and no other family in the future has to suffer as the Calders have”
The police say they are still investigating Scott's death, and have submitted their findings to the Crown Office for review.
A Crown Office spokesman said “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 23 year-old man in Longniddry Bents, East Lothian on 14 October 2018.
“The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."
Chief Inspector Stuart Reid of Lothian and Borders CID said: "Additional inquiries requested by the Procurator Fiscal following the death of Scott Calder have been carried out and further information has been sent to the Crown, we are awaiting their response and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
"Our thoughts remain with Scott's family and once the investigation is concluded arrangements with be made to fully update the Calder family with the outcome."
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