COMMUNITY leaders have called for lessons to be learned from the deadly Cameron House fire.

The hotel and a night porter pleaded guilty to safety violations where fireplace ash and embers were put in a plastic bag next to kindling.

There was no proper training or written policy for the disposal of ash.

Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson died as a result of the failings.

Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “This tragedy devastated our area and my heartfelt sympathies are with all affected by it, particularly the families of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson, who are coming to terms with the shattering news that their deaths could have been prevented.

“I hope they take some comfort in having the answers to what went wrong that night, and the assurance that justice will be served to those failed them.

“Thanks to the emergency services who worked tirelessly on the night of the fire and those who have worked since to ensure that this matter was investigated thoroughly.”

Jackie Baillie MSP hit out at the length of time it took for the prosecution to take place and the anguish that would cause to the victims’ families who repeatedly fought for answers.

She said: "After three long, painful years these families finally have the answers that they need as to why their beloved sons and brothers died in this fire.

“It is deeply concerning to learn that this fire could have been avoided, had the staff involved been given the proper training needed, and more importantly, had the hotel owners heeded the prior warnings given to them about their safety standards.

“Going forward, steps must be taken by Cameron House to ensure that failings of this magnitude never happen again.

"We now know that these deaths were avoidable."

West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Doherty-Hughes urged for lessons to be learned.

He said: “The terrible fire at Cameron House three years ago which claimed the lives of two young men has had a devastating impact on the families involved.

“The account of events leading up to the fire suggests a worrying number of failures admitted by the hotel’s management to put in place adequate fire safety procedures and training for staff.

“To learn this tragedy may have been avoidable is utterly heart-breaking and lessons must be learned to ensure it can never happen again.”

Councillor Jim Bollan said laws needed to be changed so companies put safety first.

He said: “As a trade unionist I have long known that some unscrupulous employers cut corners on safety/training and employment rights for their workers, to maximise profits for their private shareholders.

“Given the circumstances leading up to the tragic avoidable deaths of these two young men at Cameron House, it appears this company falls into that category.

“The regulations and laws governing these companies need to be tightened to ensure private profit is never put before the safety of guests and employees.”