4/7/2008Maryhill Hall is Turned into Courtroom for Blast Probe
THIS is the hi-tech courtroom where top legal brains will sift through weeks of evidence to ensure a tragedy like the Glasgow plastics factory explosion never happens again.
The Community Central Hall in Maryhill is normally home to mother and toddler groups, creches and pensioner clubs.
But it has been fitted with dozens of flat screen monitors, plasma teleÂvisions and microphones.
In the middle sits a 5ft x 2ft red and white scale model of the ICL Plastics factory and a section of gas piping.
Now the stage is set for the long-awaited public inquiry into the blast on May 11 2004, which killed nine people and injured 33.
The victims' families and survivors were given a private tour of the venue ahead of the inquiry, which begins next Wednesday.
A remodelled entrance area has been specially adapted for use by disabled people.
And a dark red colour scheme has transformed the reception area, where a plaque pays tribute to those who were killed.
Inquiry secretary Trevor Lodge said: "Feedback from the invited families has been positive."
On the first floor a corridor takes you into Reid Hall, where the inquiry will be held.
It has been turned into a courtroom, complete with a witness stand.
There are 27 silver flat screen monitors and microphones in the main hall, where legal teams can follow proceedings.
A public seating area will hold around 350 people, with a further 12 monitors on each side.
There are also separate areas for the media and for families of the victims. Two giant plasma screens ensure those at the back can see.
And two private lounges equipped with large plasma screens have also been provided where bereaved families can watch the proceedings without going into the main hall.
The inquiry, the first joint public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, will be chaired by Lord Gill.
He will be assisted by Jillian Glass, solicitor to the inquiry, Roy Martin QC, Trevor Lodge, inquiry secretary and Kenny McBrearty, counsel for the inquiry.
Lord Gill has no power to determine civil or criminal liability. He will instead consider safety-related issues based on the facts leading up to the tragedy. His recommendations aim to ensure no similar explosion happens again.
The Community Central Hall in Maryhill is normally home to mother and toddler groups, creches and pensioner clubs.
But it has been fitted with dozens of flat screen monitors, plasma teleÂvisions and microphones.
In the middle sits a 5ft x 2ft red and white scale model of the ICL Plastics factory and a section of gas piping.
Now the stage is set for the long-awaited public inquiry into the blast on May 11 2004, which killed nine people and injured 33.
The victims' families and survivors were given a private tour of the venue ahead of the inquiry, which begins next Wednesday.
A remodelled entrance area has been specially adapted for use by disabled people.
And a dark red colour scheme has transformed the reception area, where a plaque pays tribute to those who were killed.
Inquiry secretary Trevor Lodge said: "Feedback from the invited families has been positive."
On the first floor a corridor takes you into Reid Hall, where the inquiry will be held.
It has been turned into a courtroom, complete with a witness stand.
There are 27 silver flat screen monitors and microphones in the main hall, where legal teams can follow proceedings.
A public seating area will hold around 350 people, with a further 12 monitors on each side.
There are also separate areas for the media and for families of the victims. Two giant plasma screens ensure those at the back can see.
And two private lounges equipped with large plasma screens have also been provided where bereaved families can watch the proceedings without going into the main hall.
The inquiry, the first joint public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, will be chaired by Lord Gill.
He will be assisted by Jillian Glass, solicitor to the inquiry, Roy Martin QC, Trevor Lodge, inquiry secretary and Kenny McBrearty, counsel for the inquiry.
Lord Gill has no power to determine civil or criminal liability. He will instead consider safety-related issues based on the facts leading up to the tragedy. His recommendations aim to ensure no similar explosion happens again.
