A MAN accused of the murder of nursery nurse Elizabeth McCabe (20), whose body was found in Templeton Woods on the outskirts of Dundee more than 25 years ago, appeared in the dock for the first time at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday.

Vincent John Simpson (60), of Camberley, Surrey, appeared for trial since being charged and appearing at Dundee Sheriff Court in July 2005.

The case, which has been scheduled to take place over the next eight weeks, is being held in a courtroom allocated to the High Court in the sheriff court building in Edinburgh. It is being held before Lord Kinclaven.

The prosecution is being conducted by Alex Prentice QC. Mark Stewart QC, assisted by advocate Ashley Edwards, appears for the defence.

Proceedings began yesterday with preliminary matters, and these are expected to dominate the first three days of the case, with matters being dealt with in the absence of a jury.

These issues cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Evidence heard in open court is expected to get under way after the jury is empanelled towards the end of the week.