THE trial of the two carers accused of murdering missing Margaret Fleming has been delayed for a second time - as prosecutors and defence teams struggle to cope with the size and complexity of the case.

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

The case was continued from an initial date in February - but had to be postponed for a second time after discussions.

The Tele understands the case is currently unable to proceed due to the massive amount of background and preparatory work still outstanding to allow both parties to be ready for trial.

It's believed one of the main stumbling blocks is securing the service of soil experts who will speak on the excavation work carried out on the grounds of Seacroft, where Margaret lived.

There are only six people worldwide with the necessary qualifications and expertise - and two of them would be required in Glasgow, one cited by the Crown and the other by the carers' defence team, led by local solicitors Aidan Gallagher and Gerry Keenan.

The hearing, which would have been the first appearance in public for Cairney and Jones since their arrest, has been carried forward with a preliminary date fixed for later this month.

It’s understood that over 250 people have initially been cited to appear as witnesses — including other scientific experts in geology and archaeology.

As well as issues with securing of experts, there are also concerns that the vast volume of case productions could overburden the court.

A source said: "If it ran in its current state the case could literally run for months.

"Both sides will likely look to cut down the number of witnesses, otherwise the complexities of the trial could swamp a jury."

A precise date for the start of proceedings will be agreed when Jones and Cairney now appear at the High Court on May 24.

The Tele exclusively revealed 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 in custody after being fully committed for trial during separate appearances at Greenock Sheriff Court last November.

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 - who are currently being held in custody - finally appear in front of a judge.