A MAN is accused of killing a teenager then hiding the alleged murder weapon in the grounds of the King’s official Scots home.
Bailey Dowling, 20, allegedly attacked outdoor activities instructor Lewis McCartney in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Prosecutors claim he struck the 18-year-old on the body with a knife in the city’s Viewcraig Street, on February 12 last year.
Dowling faces a murder charge plus a separate allegation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
This includes a claim that he disposed of the blade at the grounds of nearby Holyrood Palace – which is King Charles’ official residence north of the border.
Dowling is also said to have fled the Scots capital for London, on foot and by train.
It is claimed he did so to “avoid detection, arrest and prosecution”.
The suspect is further charged with having a knife in a public place.
Co-accused Benjamin Wilson does not face the murder accusation.
But he is instead alleged to have assaulted Dowling on the same date and in the same place as the alleged killing.
The 20-year-old is charged with striking his co-accused on the head with a bottle to his injury.
Lawyers submitted not guilty pleas for both men during the hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Lord Clark fixed their trial for April. It will take place in Edinburgh.
Dowling, of Thamesmead, London, and Wilson, of Burntisland, Fife, had their bail continued.
Lewis worked at the Bridge 8 Hub and Paddle Cafe in Edinburgh’s Sighthill.
He was hailed as “well liked” and a “gifted lad” by colleagues at the canal activities hub.