Tour guide, 23, died after losing his footing on a cliff and plunging 115ft

A tour guide died after losing his footing on a cliff and plunging 115ft to his death at a popular Orkney island beauty spot.

Jamie Shannon, 23, lost his footing while taking tourists along the Scottish island’s Yesnaby Cliffs in June last year.

Mr Shannon, who studied geography at Dundee University, had always wanted to work in tourism and was showing a group the picturesque setting when he slipped and fell to his death.

Jamie Shannon, 23, a tour guide died after losing his footing on a cliff and plunging 115ft at a popular Orkney island beauty spot in Scotland. Jamie Shannon, 23, lost his footing while taking tourists along the Scottish island’s Yesnaby Cliffs in June last year

Mr Shannon, who studied geography at Dundee University, had always wanted to work in tourism and was showing a group the picturesque setting when he slipped and fell to his death

Mr Shannon, who studied geography at Dundee University, had always wanted to work in tourism and was showing a group the picturesque setting when he slipped and fell to his death

The accident happened on the first day of one of his tours, as he was showing a group of young tourists around some of Scotland’s finest beauty spots. 

They were sent back to Edinburgh distraught after witnessing the tragedy.

At the time, his family thanked emergency services in Kirkwall, including the coastguards and lifeboats, who recovered his body after he had fallen.

Mr Shannon, from Dunblane, Perthshire, had been working with Edinburgh-based company Haggis Adventures at the time of his death.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has now announced that a fatal accident inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The accident happened on the first day of one of his tours, as he was showing a group of young tourists around some of Scotland's finest beauty spots

The accident happened on the first day of one of his tours, as he was showing a group of young tourists around some of Scotland’s finest beauty spots

Jamie Shannon's death on Orkney prompted an outpouring of grief from family and friends who all spoke of their devastation at losing him

Jamie Shannon’s death on Orkney prompted an outpouring of grief from family and friends who all spoke of their devastation at losing him

It is scheduled to be heard at Kirkwall Sheriff Court on Orkney in June.

Jamie Shannon’s death on Orkney prompted an outpouring of grief from family and friends who all spoke of their devastation at losing him.

A statement released by Haggis Adventures folllowing Jamie’s death read: ‘Jamie was adored by us all. We are proud to call him our best friend.

'He loved his job, he was incredibly fun, passionate and cared deeply for everyone he ever met' a statement said in tribute to him

‘He loved his job, he was incredibly fun, passionate and cared deeply for everyone he ever met’ a statement said in tribute to him

‘He loved his job, he was incredibly fun, passionate and cared deeply for everyone he ever met.

‘It will be absolutely impossible to forget the impact he has had on all of us at Haggis, passengers and staff alike. His smile and laugh were infectious. We will miss his energy, his positivity, his loyalty and most of all his hugs.

‘Nobody gives as good a hug as Jamie. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement; Scotland came alive with Jamie at the helm, always with a smile.’ 



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