The trial of two people charged with the murder of a Montrose mum will be held in September.
Steven Jackson, 40, and Michelle Higgins, 28, are accused of killing Kimberley MacKenzie at a flat in the Angus town last October.
Prosecutors allege the 37-year-old was struck with a hammer, machete and knife or similar items.
It is claimed Ms MacKenzie’s body was dismembered using a saw, knives and a screwdriver or similar instruments.
Parts of the corpse are said to have been wrapped in bin liners and bags and hidden in bins at a number of addresses in Montrose.
It is further alleged her head and other body parts were put inside a rucksack and case and concealed in a shower cubicle.
Walls, floors and other surfaces of the flat are said to have been cleaned.
Caustic soda and bleach are also alleged to have been poured into a bath and clothes and footwear disposed of.
The charge claims this was all done “with intent to avoid detection, arrest and prosecution”.
As well as the murder charge, Jackson and Higgins face an allegation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Jackson is further charged with two separate drugs accusations as well as having a machete in a public place.
Higgins faces a similar allegation of having a knife.
The pair appeared for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.
Jackson’s QC Donald Findlay and Higgins’ lawyer Mark Stewart QC each pled not guilty on their behalf.
Judge Lady Scott set a trial due to take place in September in Edinburgh.