Charges follow backpacker death

A New Zealander has been charged with murder and arson following a fire at a Tasmanian backpackers' hostel last week in which a Scottish tourist died.

Tony Laurence McLennan, 34, appeared in Launceston Magistrate Court via video-link from a Hobart remand centre yesterday.

He has also been charged with two counts of stealing following the December 31 blaze that caused an estimated A$800,000 ($878,250) damage to the Metro Hostel in Brisbane St, Launceston.

The body of 21-year-old Callum Melville, from Mossat in Aberdeenshire, was found on the second floor of the hostel. Six people were injured in the fire.

McLennan, who worked at the hostel, was remanded in custody to January 25.