A Shetland man accused of starting a fire which killed his baby daughter has denied a murder charge.

William Middleton, 32, appeared briefly at the High Court in Edinburgh for legal debate ahead of his trial.

The murder charge alleges that Middleton knew that nine-month-old Annalise was in the house at 1 Burgadale Brae, Shetland, when he set light to clothes and bedding in the hallway and to curtains in a downstairs bedroom.

Middleton also denies attempting to murder two other youngsters, aged six and three who were also in the house at the time of the fire last September 20.

Judge Lord Kinclaven remanded Middleton in custody until his trial, which is due to start in Aberdeen on March 9.