Only one of the 16 migrant workers interviewed following an Angus fire is still in the country.
The investigation into the death of Petr Adamik will have to rely on statements taken at the time by police and the health and safety executive.
Petr Adamik, who was 28, died in a fire at caravans housing migrant workers in Birkhill Farm, near Arbroath, in April 2007.
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into his death was due to begin on February 10 however, at a preliminary hearing yesterday that date was discharged with future dates to be assigned for March or April. A further preliminary hearing was set for January 20.
Sheriff Derek Pyle said his instinct was to fix alternative dates in March or April, with either two weeks back-to-back or a week of five days in each month.
He said the inquiry would cause problems with the demands of a busy schedule and he did not think that realistically they would get a part-time sheriff.
Sheriff Pyle said clerical staff would try to get a floating sheriff for two weeks and arrange the hearing dates before Christmas.
All parties will return for a further preliminary hearing on January 20 to provide an update ahead of the inquiry getting under way.
The Angus community demonstrated its caring heart by rallying round to help the devastated family of Mr Adamik in the wake of the tragedy.
Mr Adamik’s family did not have the resources to pay for the repatriation of his body to the Czech Republic, and were also unable to meet the costs of a funeral here.
Locals lent their help and contributed to the costs of the funeral at the Pargrove Crematorium in Friockheim and repatriation.
In the wake of Mr Adamik’s death, Tayside Fire Brigades Union called for a probe into the living conditions of the region’s incoming workforce.
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) also got involved, warning that increasing numbers of foreign employees were complaining of low pay, long hours and substandard accommodation.
CAB also told of hearing of workers living in overcrowded caravans, being expected to sleep two in a bed or on the floor, and facing excessive charges for utility costs and accommodation.
A year after the tragedy a tightening up of licensing for caravan sites for agricultural workers was put in place, bringing it in line with other licensed caravan sites across the district.
This summer Angus workers were targeted in a joint effort to overcome language barriers and improve safety. Staff from agencies travelled around the county’s farms to deliver messages about access to services and to provide health and education to members of the eastern European community.