A MAN has appeared in Haddington Sheriff Court accused of murdering joiner Brian Bathgate, who was found dead in his countryside cottage in March last year.

Gordon Veitch, who appeared in private on Wednesday, made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

Mr Bathgate, 45, was found dead in the living room of his cottage at Barney Mains Farm on the outskirts of Haddington.

The body of the father-of-four was discovered by his brother Roy after his family became concerned after he failed to turn up at work.