Man accused of killing 'gifted' teenager and hiding murder weapon at Holyrood Palace

A man is accused of killing a teenager and then hiding the alleged murder weapon in the grounds of Holyrood Palace.

Bailey Dowling allegedly attacked 18-year-old outdoors activity instructor Lewis McCartney on Viewcraig Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town on February 12, 2023.

Prosecutors claim the 20-year-old struck Mr McCartney on the body with a knife.

The victim was found with serious injuries in Viewcraig Street in the Dumbiedykes area of the capital at 3.45am.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, but died of his injuries

Dowling faces a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

This includes a claim that he did “dispose” of the blade “at the grounds of Holyrood Palace” in the capital – the official residence of King Charles when he is in Scotland.

Dowling is also said to have fled Edinburgh on foot and by train to London.

It is claimed he done this to “avoid detection, arrest and prosecution”.

He is further charged with having a knife in a public place.

Co-accused Benjamin Wilson is alleged to have assaulted Dowling on the same date and at the same location.

The 20-year-old is charged with striking the suspect on the head with a bottle to his injury.

The case called at the High Court in Glasgow where lawyers for both pleaded not guilty for each.

Lord Clark fixed a trial due to begin in April 2025 in Edinburgh.

Dowling, of Thamesmead, south-east London, and Wilson, of Burntisland, Fife, remain on bail.

Lewis was an instructor at the time of his death at the Bridge 8 Hub and Puddle Cafe in the capital.

He was described as “well liked” and a “gifted lad”.