A suspect is to stand trial accused of murdering a man after allegedly starting a fire at his home.
Ryan Brandie, 24, is charged with killing Gary Gallogley at the property in Inverness on April 3.
Prosecutors claim Brandie initially struck the 54 year-old with a walking stick or similar item.
It is then alleged he “wilfully set fire” to clothes and bedding leaving Mr Gallogley badly injured.
The indictment states Mr Gallogley died two days later in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Brandie faces a separate charge of assaulting a woman and making threats to “burn down her flat” if she went to police in connection with the alleged murder.
His QC Mark Stewart pled not guilty to the accusations during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Lady Stacey yesterday set a trial due to begin next February.
