A man appeared in court yesterday accused of being part of a gang that blindfolded and raped a nine-year-old girl.

Brian Aitchison, 48, is alleged to have carried out the offence with several other men at Abernethy caravan park in Abernethy, Perthshire, nearly 20 years ago.

Mr Aitchison, of Kenmore Terrace, Dundee, appeared briefly in private on a petition at Perth Sheriff Court before Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood.

The charge alleges that on one occasion between April 30 and June 27, 1990, while acting with other men, he repeatedly sexually assaulted the child and raped her.

It is alleged that the group of men blindfolded the young girl, removed her underwear and nightclothes and laid her on a bed before raping her.

Mr Aitchison made no plea or declaration yesterday and the case was continued for further examination.

He was freed on bail on the condition that he does not approach the complainer. He was also ordered not to be alone with any child under the age of 16.