A senior Scottish judge has been appointed to lead the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh, almost three months after the previous chairman resigned.
A New Chair Takes the Reins
Lord Colbeck, a judge of Scotland's Supreme Courts, will become the new chair of the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes made the announcement to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Lord Colbeck is scheduled to formally begin his role on 2 March.
This appointment follows the resignation of the inquiry's former chair, Lord Bracadale, in October 2025. Lord Bracadale stepped down after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) launched a judicial review over concerns about his impartiality. The SPF, representing rank-and-file officers, had argued that private meetings Lord Bracadale held with the Bayoh family since the inquiry began compromised his neutrality.
Background to the Inquiry and Previous Chair's Exit
Sheku Bayoh, a 31-year-old father of two, died in May 2015 after being restrained by approximately six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. While the Crown Office decided not to prosecute the officers involved, the public inquiry was established to examine the full circumstances of his death. This includes the nature of the police restraint, the subsequent investigation, and whether race was a contributing factor.
Lord Bracadale initially refused to recuse himself, stating his meetings with the family were intended to maintain their confidence and engagement with the inquiry process. However, he ultimately conceded that his continued leadership risked damaging public confidence in the inquiry's eventual findings and recommendations.
Solicitor Aamer Anwar, speaking for the Bayoh family, welcomed Lord Colbeck's appointment, describing him as a "no-nonsense judge" with a formidable reputation who acts "without fear or favour." Anwar noted that while taking over would be no simple task, the evidence had already been heard and it was time to "restart the stopwatch."
Moving Towards a Conclusion
All witness evidence has now been presented to the inquiry. The next phases will involve closing submissions from the various core participants, followed by the preparation of the final report by Lord Colbeck.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, also welcomed the appointment, stating that police officers and all witnesses looked forward to a "fair and transparent outcome." He added that the federation stood ready to assist the new chair as the inquiry reaches its conclusion.
Lord Colbeck brings considerable experience to the role. He was appointed to the Supreme Courts in May 2023 and previously served as Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin. He also chaired the fatal accident inquiry into the 2013 Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow.
Kate Forbes said the Scottish Government had prioritised appointing a new chair to allow the inquiry to complete its work. She expressed confidence that Lord Colbeck's in-depth knowledge of the justice system would help bring the process to a conclusion "as quickly as practicable."
