A single fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the deaths of four motor sport fans at two separate rallies, the Crown Office has announced.
It will be the first time that one inquiry has been held into deaths which occurred in different parts of Scotland.
The inquiry will examine the death of Joy Robson, 50, who was struck by a car taking part in the Snowman Rally in Inverness in February 2013, and also the deaths of Iain Provan, 64, his partner Elizabeth Allan, 63, and Len Stern, 71, who were all fatally injured when a car involved in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders spun off the course in May 2014.
As both incidents involved spectators at rallies, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC considers it is in the public interest for a single inquiry to be held, examining all the issues together.
The inquiry will be held in the Lothian and Borders area, with the Crown liaising with the Sheriff Principal there to find a suitable time and place for the hearing.
The Crown Office has also confirmed no criminal proceedings will be brought in relation to either event – although this could be reconsidered if additional evidence comes to light.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after organisers of the Jim Clark Rally claimed the future of the race is now in doubt because of a “delay” by the Crown Office in publishing its report into the crash.
Event chairman Dan Wright said race organisers are “descending into despair of ever running this world-famous event again”.
Borders MSP John Lamont called for the Jim Clark Rally to be resumed as soon as possible following the announcement of the FAI.
The Conservative, who represents Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, said: “While it is important that the legal process is followed, this is disappointing news for the Jim Clark Rally.
“It’s a brilliant event that contributes greatly to the Borders economy, and its loss has impacted local businesses over the last few years.
“I hope the fatal accident inquiry can be carried out swiftly, and that Scottish Borders Council, the police and the Crown Office will do all they can to facilitate the holding of the rally as soon as possible.
“With the Snowman Rally having taken place in the intervening period, I can see no reason why the same flexibility cannot be applied to this great sporting event.”
