A firm has been issued a fine of £400,000 following an accident in which two of its workers lost their lives.

Scottish Coal, which describes itself as the UK’s largest surface coal producer, was issued the fine during a hearing at Ayr sheriff court after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety laws.

The incident occurred in February last year when employees Colin Fergusson and Brian French were killed after their vehicle was crushed by a dumper truck at the company’s site in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire.

The driver of the 100 tonne capacity truck could not see their vehicle because it was in a blind spot.

"These two deaths were entirely preventable and arose from the clear failure of Scottish Coal to provide suitable means of communication between different vehicles on site in order to reduce the risk of collisions," stated Health and Safety Executive inspector Norrie Buchanan.