An Edinburgh man is to go on trial over the death of a pensioner who was hit by a car in a pub's beer garden.

David Griffiths, 40, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the tragedy in Roslin, Midlothian, on March 13, 2008.

Former Marine and retired cobbler David Hutchins, 85, was taking his daily walk and was only yards from his home when he was struck by the car. He died in hospital nine days later.

Griffiths denies a charge which alleges he drove too fast and failed to negotiate a bend even though it was clearly signed and marked.

His car is said to have crossed onto the wrong side of the road and - because Griffiths allegedly failed to brake - mounted the pavement, hit a stone bollard and continued into the beer garden of the Original Roslin Inn.

The charge alleges that the building at the corner of Penicuik Road and Roslin's Main Street was also damaged, along with garden furniture.

A trial date was set for November 10 following a brief hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.