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 — on Thursday 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 Greenock Telegraph 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 Greenock Telegraph exclusively told in October the details of what prosecutors say happened to Margaret, who was last seen in public almost 18 years ago.