Highland Council is investigating the aftermath of a horse rider’s death in Lochaber to establish whether safety measures can be improved to avert a repeat of the tragedy.
A woman slipped from her mount while pony-trekking between Arisaig and Morar earlier this month.
There was an unconfirmed report that the animal may have bolted after being disturbed by a passing vehicle.
The rider was airlifted to hospital but died in hospital three days later.
Learning of the tragedy, a local councillor said yesterday he would investigate whether there were sufficient signs to alert motorists to horses in the area, on the B8008.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “Environmental health are aware of this fatality and are already involved in both our licensing role and enforcement role under the Health and Safety at Work Act.”
Caol and Mallaig councillor Allan Henderson, who heads the community services committee, learned of the incident when contacted by a concerned resident.
He said: “Our heart goes out to all concerned. This is extremely sad.”
The tragedy happened on the spectacular coastal route close to Camusdarach campsite.
Flowers were left at the spot where the woman fell. Her funeral was held on Thursday.
She was believed to be from England but has not named by police who said the incident was “a medical matter”.
The Lochaber incident happened just hours after talented Fortrose showjumper Caroline MacAskill, 52, died from a fall from a horse in an enclosure at Muiryden croft, near Fortrose on the Black Isle.
She had spent six days in a medically-induced coma.
Her husband Ian described the incident as “a freak accident”.
Mrs MacAskill died three days before she was due to be honoured at the British Showjumping Awards.
Her local riding club described her as “a popular and well-known figure at so many riding events both in the Highland area and beyond.”
