Lockerbie Trial: Security - Former air base fortified for a marathon hearing

ARABIC SYMBOLS indicating which way to turn to face Mecca for prayers have been painted on the walls of the two cells in the Netherlands where Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah will spend months, possibly years.

After a decade of political and diplomatic wrangling the two Libyans accused of planting the suitcase bomb that exploded over Lockerbie, killing 270 people, are being brought to justice under Scottish law.

The extent of practical preparations for the unprecedented trial - under Scottish jurisdiction but on foreign territory - are an indication of how long those involved believe the process could take. Some estimates suggest two years.

Months have gone into preparing Camp Zeist, a former US air base six miles from Utrecht in the central Netherlands. Under the deal with Libya the suspects will be incarcerated for the duration of the trial in a bomb- proof cell complex beneath the former base's hospital. Accommodation is spartan but adequate, Scottish Office sources said.

Defence and prosecution teams, dozens of witnesses, more than 100 Scottish police and prison officers, victims' families and the press will also occupy the converted buildings once the trial starts.

Behind 10ft perimeter fences and amid unprecedented security the Libyans will be tried by three Scottish High Court judges but no jury. It was considered impossible to find a 15-person jury not prejudiced by reporting of the bombing and the West's perception of the Gaddafi regime. The logistics of keeping a Scottish jury in the Netherlands for the duration of the trial was a factor.

Through the bars of the gates at the camp entrance, Scottish policemen involved in the Lockerbie investigation could be seen jogging.

The Royal Dutch Air Force Museum, Camp Zeist's only occupant since 1991, was closed to visitors over the weekend but reopened yesterday.

The trial arrangements and conditions are unusual: the men will be tried as if this were Scotland. Dutch involvement once the men have been handed over will be limited to patrolling outside the camp.

Attention is being paid to the religious and dietary needs of the suspects, in accordance with the deal. Dutch contract caterers have been hired to provide meals prepared to halal requirements.

Away from the cells, Dutch builders are working to make a court house from an abandoned schoolroom formerly used by US Air Force children. After the initial arraignment the courtroom will not be required for months. Under Scottish law the trial has to take place within three and a half months of the suspects being charged and remanded but this can and probably will be extended.

Forty-eight hand-picked Scottish prison officers will guard the men, each working in shifts, spending a fortnight of each month in the Netherlands. Sleeping areas and kitchens have been set up and the base's large gym has been turned into a media centre.

In the nearby town of Soesterberg (population 6,000) there seemed little apprehension about the media and security influx. Some residents gathered at the gates in anticipation of the arrival of the suspects. Zeist's mayor, Rudolph Boekhoven, said he was not proud to be hosting the trial but added: "A trial like this has to take place somewhere and Zeist can do it."