THE trial of the two carers accused of murdering missing Margaret Fleming is set to be delayed by almost two months due to the complexity of the case.

Eddie Cairney and Avril Jones were due to appear in person for a calling of the case regarding a series of charges — including an alleged fraud said to total more than £180,000 — yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow.

But prosecutors and defence teams for both accused met prior to the hearing, which would have been the first appearance in public for Cairney and Jones since their arrest, and agreed to carry the case forward to a fresh date in April.

The Tele understands both parties were forced to accept the case is currently unable to proceed due to the massive amount of background preparatory work required.

It’s believed that over 200 people have initially been cited to appear as witnesses — including scientific experts in geology and archaeology.

Leaders in these fields are expected to fly into Glasgow from as far afield as the United States when the trial begins around summer time.

It is also understood the case has been initially delayed because of the vast volume of productions that could be presented as evidence at the trial.

A precise date for the start of proceedings will be agreed when Jones and Cairney now appear at the High Court on April 19.

The Tele exclusively told in October the details of what prosecutors say happened to Margaret, who was last seen in public almost 18 years ago.

The Crown claim that the Cairney and Jones — who reported Margaret missing in October 2016 — locked her in a room at their former home, ‘Seacroft’, pictured, bound her arms and wrists with tape and held her captive against her will between November 1 in 1997 and January 5 in 2000. 

It is further alleged that between December 18 in 1999 and January 5 in 2000, while acting together, that by inflicting blunt force trauma on Margaret or means presently unknown, ‘they did murder her’.

The couple are currently remanded in custody after being fully committed for trial during separate appearances at Greenock Sheriff Court last November, when Cairney was represented by defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher and Jones by defence advocate John McIlroy.

The Crown claims that Cairney and Jones disposed of, destroyed or concealed Margaret’s remains, then pretended to authorities that she was alive in order to defeat the ends of justice, all between December 18 in 1999 and October 28 last year.

They are further accused of carrying out a £182,000 fraud by illegally claiming state benefits, disability payments and carers allowance on Margaret’s behalf whilst knowing that she was dead.

These charges are expected to be expanded and broken down into more detail when the duo appear at the High Court.