Two men in court charged with murder of ex-Fettes College teacher

Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a former Fettes College teacher.

Paul Black, 63, and Paul McNaughton, 27, have also been charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice and theft.

Former biology teacher Dr Peter Coshan, 75, has been missing since he was last seen in Edinburgh on 11 August.

The accused men made no plea when they appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Both Mr Black and Mr McNaughton were remanded in custody and their next court appearance will be before Friday 26 August.

Detectives confirmed on Wednesday they were treating Dr Coshan's disappearance as murder although no body has been found.

Colleagues have described the retired teacher as an inspiration who will be remembered fondly.

A spokeswoman for the Edinburgh school - which counts ex-prime minister Tony Blair among its former pupils - said staff were "shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic developments".

She added that thoughts were with his loved ones.

Helen Harrison, head of Fettes College, added: "Peter was an inspirational biology teacher and he will be remembered fondly by many.

"Not least by those who were taught by him, tutored by him and introduced to the hills through his enthusiasm for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which he ran for 33 years."

Dr Coshan taught at the prestigious private school from 1972 until his retirement in 2005.

He joined a year after former PM Tony Blair attended the school, from 1966 to 1971.

The former teacher was last seen in the Seafield Road area of Edinburgh on 11 August and was reported missing the next day.

His home in Stockbridge is four miles from where he was last seen.

Det Supt Andrew Patrick said extensive inquiries were ongoing to trace Dr Coshan.

He added: "I would encourage anyone with any information regarding Peter's disappearance to contact police as a matter of urgency.

"We have also set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team."