A man is to stand trial over the murder of a woman in North Ayrshire more than 30 years ago. Fraser Kilpatrick is accused of killing Shona Stevens, 31, by striking her with a hammer or similar weapon near her home in Irvine in November 1994.
Mr Kilpatrick, 68, who was charged over her death last year, also faces 15 other charges, including the rape of a woman and a young girl between 1986 and 2001. He denies the claims.
Lord Arthurson has set a trial date for January 2028 at the High Court in Glasgow, which is expected to last about 17 days. A further hearing is scheduled for December this year. Mr Kilpatrick remains on bail.
Shona Stevens, a mother of one and a student at the then University of Paisley, was attacked while walking through Bourtreehill Park on 10 November 1994. She suffered severe head injuries and died three days later.