Pensioner to appear in court accused of killing woman and toddler over 40 years ago

William Macdowell, 77, is accused of killing Renee Macrae, 36, and her three-year-old toddler Andrew in 1976.

The pair were last spotted driving out of Inverness in November of that year.

Mrs Macrae’s car was, however, later found burned on the A9, near Dalmagarry. Detectives last year made a forensic search of Leanach Quarry, which lies near Culloden Battlefield.

More than 300 witnesses were re-examined and various interviews were conducted before Mr Macdowell was arrested at his home in the north of England.

He faces two charges of murder and one of perverting the course of justice. A preliminary hearing is scheduled at the High Court in Glasgow on October 12.

At the time of Macdowell’s arrest, detective inspector Brian Geddes said: “This investigation started when Renee and Andrew disappeared in November 1976.

“Their disappearance has had an unimaginable impact on the lives of Renee and Andrew’s family and friends for several decades.

“The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered. However the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues.”