'Further investigations' into Jim Clark Rally deaths

Elizabeth Allan, Len Stern and Iain Provan died at the Jim Clark Rally in 2014

Scotland's chief law officer has asked for "further investigations" into the deaths of three people at a rally in the Borders.

Frank Mulholland QC said the work will help determine whether a fatal accident inquiry should be held into the incident at the Jim Clark Rally.

Crown Office lawyers will also rule on bringing criminal proceedings.

Iain Provan, 64, Elizabeth Allan, 63, and Len Stern, 71, died at a stage of the rally near Coldstream last May.

The investigations development emerged in response to a parliamentary question from south of Scotland MSP Jim Hume.

Mr Mulholland, the Lord Advocate, said the health and safety division (HSD) at the Crown Office was investigating the circumstances of the incident.

He added: "An interim report by HSD has been considered by Crown Counsel and further investigations including expert reports have been instructed.

"Once the further inquiries have been completed the matter will be reported back to Crown Counsel to take a final decision."

In a statement, a spokesman for the Crown Office confirmed that the Lord Advocate instructed further investigations and asked for two additional expert reports.

He added: "The families will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland said further inquiries were being carried out into the incident at the Borders rally.

Mr Hume said both the public and families of those killed at the rally "would expect no less than the most thorough investigation".

He added: "Understandably, organisers are anxious to get on and begin making arrangements for next year's race.

"I hope that Crown Office investigations can conclude before too long so that local people and the many visitors who come to the Borders for the rally can enjoy next year's event safely."

A nationwide review of the sport by a group set up by the Scottish government made a series of recommendations earlier this year.

The Jim Clark Rally is normally held on closed public roads in Berwickshire.

Scottish Borders Council withdrew permission for this year's event while investigations by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive were underway.

The event eventually went ahead on tracks in Kielder Forest in Northumberland, after starting in Kelso.