A FATAL accident inquiry is to be held more than two years after the death of a speech therapist after her car plunged into a loch during gale force winds.

The hearing is due to begin in April following the death of Lorna MacDonald, 26, who worked for NHS Western Isles. The woman who lived in Stornoway died in November 2011 after the single vehicle accident on the A859 in Harris during gale force winds.

The rescue operation involved emergency services and the coastguard, but she later died in Western Isles Hospital, where she also worked.

She was the daughter of local retired teacher, Peigi Flora MacDonald, a Gaelic medium at the local primary school.

The tragedy came as the islands were battered by 85mph wind. The inquiry is due to take place at Stornoway Sheriff Court on April 7.