Mystery of 1896 Fife murder that remains unsolved

The murder of Helen Thomson in woods near Markinch remains one of Fife’s enduring murder mysteries. She was shamelessly outraged then violently slain moments after leaving a friend’s house on February 6 1896. Her hands were bound and fastened tightly to her wrists with a horse shackle, a piece of rope 15 inches long with a noose at one end.

Helen, 25, who came from a respectable family in Markinch, had left her home in the early evening to go for a walk and visit a friend.

She duly arrived at her friend’s home where she spent half an hour. Her friend walked part of the return journey with Helen.

The next person to see her was the postman at 6.30pm. He spoke with Helen but also noticed a man near the Leven road whom he did not recognise.

When Helen failed to return home, her father went out looking for her but no trace was found.

At daybreak, the search resumed and it was not long before Mr Thomson detected signs of foul play.

The young woman’s fur boa was found near the main road.

Mr Thomson ventured off the road and came across what looked like a crumpled sheet of paper. It was, however, the body of his daughter.

There were clear signs of violence on her body.

A shepherd who lived nearby and had been in the area around the time of the murder was arrested and remanded in Dundee. He soon proved his innocence and was released. Another man, a miner, was then held by police but again, there was no evidence against him.

The trail went cold but eight years later police renewed their appeal for information and announced they were on the brink of a breakthrough.

Police briefed the press that a confession would be forthcoming but no charge was ever brought.

The procurator fiscal and police also quizzed another man, David Dickie, a stonemason of Markinch.

Towards the end of the month The Courier interviewed Mr Dickie, who was known to collect leaves in the woods and carry a horse shackle. He denied involvement and the case remains unsolved.

When Helen failed to return home, her father went out looking for her