The man accused of murdering north-east pensioner Brian McKandie will make his first public court appearance later this month.
Steven Sidebottom was charged with a string of offences including murder, robbery, theft and sexual assault following a year-long investigation by police after the mechanic was found dead at his home.
The 23-year-old, from Inverurie, has made two previous appearances in private at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where he made no plea or declaration.
He will now appear in Glasgow for a preliminary hearing where he will be expected to enter a plea.
Handyman Mr McKandie, was last seen alive on March 11, 2016. His body was discovered the next day at his cottage at Badenscoth, near Rothienorman.
A worried local, who had left his car with the mechanic to be repaired, had raised the alarm when he could not contact him to collect it.
Mr McKandie, who was self-employed, had customers from all across the north-east, from Aberdeen to Peterhead.
He was popular in the area and was known for fixing anything from cars to washing machines and TVs.
Initially his death was treated as unexplained but following a post-mortem examination a murder investigation was later launched.
In the past year, the force has carried out interviews with hundreds of residents, motorists, friends and former customers of Mr McKandie.
Detectives were faced with significant challenges throughout the investigation, lacking both CCTV images and witnesses.
In October, both lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith and Mr McKandie’s brother, William, both appeared on an episode of BBC Crimewatch.
The investigation was one of the largest forensic searches in Police Scotland’s history.
After the detention of Sidebottom a heavy police presence could be seen around a farm just south of Rothienorman.
A patch of land close to the farmhouse was cordoned off and specialist investigators in white forensic suits could be seen examining the area.
Sidebottom is expected to appear at the High Court in Glasgow on August 22.
