A man has appeared in court charged with murder after a fatal flat fire almost 18 years ago.

Barry Henderson, 41, is alleged to have killed Gordon Graham in a blaze that ripped through his home in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, in 1998.

The father-of-five was originally from Glenrothes but had moved to the north east of Scotland after being evicted from his property in Fife.

Mr Henderson was arrested after police reopened an investigation into Mr Graham's death six years ago.

He appeared at a private hearing on petition at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Thursday charged with murder and attempted murder. He made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

Mr Graham, 43, lost his life when the fire broke out in his first-floor tenement flat on High Street, Fraserburgh, in May 1998.

His wife Anne was rescued from the window of their home in the early hours of the morning as firefighters battled to douse the flames.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the scene after the blaze was reported.

The roof of the building collapsed, damaging retail units below the flat, including a pet shop where animals also perished.