A Western Isles fishing boat skipper is to stand trial over allegations of human trafficking.
Alexander Murray, the owner of the MFV Astra III, denies he took three Ghanaian nationals into the UK for exploitation.
It is alleged 49-
The third arrived in the spring of last year, it is claimed.
Murray is also charged with allegedly arranging travel for the three people within UK territorial seas and in international waters with the intent to exploit them.
He is also accused of permitting people to go to sea on his fishing vessel without approved training.
Murray faces a charge over the safety of his Stornoway-
The fire detection system and the fire alarm siren was not functioning, it is claimed.
It is also maintained the emergency escape from the crew’s cabin was obstructed and the toilet was broken.
In addition, it includes a claim that the vessel had not undergone a survey following a major refit where the main engine was replaced.
Murray denies all the charges.
The jury trial -
Trawler skipper faces trial over human trafficking charges
20 June 2015