Mr Begg, 50, died on 15 April 2021 after an accident in a workshop at Auchintoul Farm, Invergordon when he suffered multiple injuries after becoming entangled in a horizontal boring machine.

A preliminary hearing is set for 8 December 2023 at Tain Sheriff Court. The inquiry is scheduled to be held on 27 and 28 February 2024.

It is anticipated that the inquiry will consider any precautions which could reasonably have been taken and which might realistically have resulted in the death having been avoided and any defects in any system of working which contributed to the death or any accident resulting in the death.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Kenneth Begg occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

“Mr Begg’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”