ONE of Scotland's most high profile QCs is set to lead the defence of the man accused of Elaine Doyle's murder.

The Telegraph understands that Donald Findlay, 62, is being prepared by Greenock-based solicitors Blair and Bryden to defend John Docherty, who is charged with strangling and killing the Greenock schoolgirl in a lane leading from Ardgowan Street on 2 June, 1986.

The Tele can also reveal that the case is now expected to call in court before the turn of the year, with dates provisionally fixed for a hearing in early autumn.

There has been a lengthy delay in bringing the prosecution to court since Docherty's initial appearance in March, mainly believed to be due to the complexities of the 27-year-old investigation.

Crown prosecutors and defence agents have faced a huge task preparing the case, working through new evidence and material gathered from an original police inquiry that saw 3,000 statements taken and 1,300 homes visited.

Provisional dates have now been earmarked for the end of October or early November for a first calling of the case at the High Court.

The arrest of Docherty, 48, sparked huge renewed national attention in the investigation, with Elaine's death still the longest running 'cold case' in Scotland.

A combination of high-profile controversies, acute legal skills and a well-cultivated image has given lawyer Mr Findlay one of the highest legal profiles in Scotland and he is widely considered to be Scotland's premier criminal law advocate.

He has served as a defence lawyer in many high-profile cases including the Jodi Jones, Mark Scott and the Kriss Donald murder trials.

He also represented Peter Tobin, the murderer of Angelika Kluk in the so-called 'body in the church' case.

Docherty, from Greenock, is currently on bail to an address outwith Inverclyde which we are not legally allowed to publish.

Reporting restrictions have been put in place by the courts to prevent the publication of any further address assigned to the accused while the case remains active.