THE widow of a firefighter killed in a department store blaze today slammed the “unacceptable” delays in the investigation into his death.

Barry Martin had attended the fire which wrecked the once iconic Jenners on Edinburgh’s Princes Street on January 23 2023.

But the 38-year-old newly qualified firefighter sustained severe burns and hypoxic injuries after falling down a flight of stairs in the building, which damaged his breathing apparatus and led to a catastrophic loss of air. Four days later, he died of his injuries.

Three years on, his widow Shelley Martin told a press conference: “Barry was a devoted family man, who was proud of the job he did. It is unacceptable and abhorrent that we still don’t have answers over three years later.

“I am angry at the way the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have sought to bury and cover this up.”

On the investigation, she added: “The crown delays are unacceptable, and I appeal directly to the lord advocate to take action.

“I find it unbelievable that I was told there would be no decision until potentially autumn of this year.

“I can’t give up, not just for Barry’s sake, or my boys, but for every firefighter that risks their lives every day.”

Her lawyer Aamer Anwar, accused the SFRS of sending Mr Martin into the blaze “unprepared and unequipped.”

SFRS deputy chief officer Andrew Watt said: “The Jenners fire remains subject to an ongoing and active investigation,” adding: “It would therefore be inappropriate for SFRS to comment on any specific claims while these legal processes remain live.

“We have and will continue to co‑operate fully with all external investigations.”

An FBU spokesperson said the thoughts of everyone at the union “are with Barry’s wife and family, his colleagues and all who knew him” and added: “As a union we will continue to support our members involved in this incident and await the completion of the relevant investigations into this tragedy before making any further statement.”

The Crown Office spokesman said they had received two prosecution reports from the Health and Safety Executive, adding: “The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to share significant developments with the Martin family.”