Book about 1973 murder is a ‘love letter’ to siblings

CRIMINOLOGIST David Wilson was inspired by his three sisters to investigate claims an innocent man was convicted of murder. Professor Wilson returned to his home town of Carluke in lanarkshire to look into what he describes as “one of the most important” murders in British history and described the book he has written as a “love letter to my sisters”. George Beattie spent 20 years in jail for killing 23-year-old Margaret Mclaughlin in Carluke in 1973 and has tried, and failed, to clear by jane hamilton Crime Reporter his name ever since. The Record told yesterday how Wilson believes Beattie was “fitted up” by police during the investigation and has identified a “more likely” suspect who he confronted during his two-year probe.

Wilson said detective William Muncie decided Beattie was guilty and shaped the evidence to fit his assertion.

He is now urging Police Scotland and the Crown Office to re-examine the case and launch a new investigation.

Beattie, now 66 and living in England, was known locally as a “big softie” when he was convicted of murdering Margaret.

She was stabbed 19 times in a wooded area called Colonel’s Glen as she made her way to the station to catch a train to visit her would-be sister-in-law.

Wilson, who was 15 when Margaret died, said the murder and ensuing trial had a deep effect on his three sisters, who all stayed in the town long after he left to pursue his career.

He said: “My sisters Annie, Alison and Margaret were convinced George Beattie was innocent.

“Margaret knew his brother, John, and was adamant there was no way George could have carried out the murder.

“Most people, my father included, trusted in the police and had faith they had the right man but there were many in Carluke who simply didn’t believe it.

“Over the years, whenever I would visit, people would ask, ‘What are you going to do about the Carluke case?’”

During his investigation, Wilson would meet with his sisters and their friends in the Bake House Cafe and would share the findings of his research.

He said: “They liked the idea of solving a mystery and getting justice for George. All the time I spent with these women was inspiring and reinforced my belief that, but for gender, my wonderful sisters were denied the opportunities men were (in the 70s). This book is almost a love letter to them.”

Wilson’s youngest sister, Margaret Scoular, said: “I hope, because of David’s book, people will remember at the heart of this is a victim who has largely been forgotten because of the doubts over George’s guilt. It would be nice to see an end to it and justice done for Margaret.”