By Monica Gibson

A FATAL Accident Inquiry into the deaths of two motorsports fans from Barrhead is now under way, three years after the tragedy took place.

Iain John Provan, 64, and Elizabeth Allan, 63, were fatally injured when a car involved in the Jim Clark Rally spun off the course in May 2014.

Mr Provan was a prominent businessman and member of the local community, having been a former member and president of Barrhead Rotary Club and East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

He was also involved in multiple business ventures and set up the Motorsport Scotland website.

John Leonard Stern, 71, of Bearsden, also died in the tragic incident at the Jim Clark Rally, which took place in the Borders.

The FAI began at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and, over the coming days, evidence is set to be led looking at the full circumstances surrounding these three deaths, to “help to avoid such incidents happening in the future.”

In December last year, it was announced that the probe will also examine the death of Joy Robson, which took place at the Snowman Rally in Inverness in 2013, as a change in legislation would allow for a joint FAI to be held.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC considered it to be in the public interest for a single inquiry to examine all the issues together.

Last year, the Crown Office also confirmed that no criminal proceedings would be brought in relation to either event, although that could be reconsidered if additional evidence comes to light.

It emerged in January that the Jim Clark Rally would be suspended until the completion of the FAI.

The popular event had been held annually since 1970 to celebrate world champion Clark but it has not been held since the deaths of Mr Provan, Ms Allan and Mr Stern.

In a statement following the crash, a spokesperson for the rally organisers said: “Our thoughts are especially with those who have lost family members and to the families of the injured spectators.

“All members of the organising team are in shock and are co-operating fully with Police Scotland to establish the facts.”