The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Man, 77, charged with the murders of Renee MacRae and her son
Cumbria pensioner arrested in 43-year-old case of Inverness woman
A 77-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering Inverness mum Renee MacRae and her threeyear-old son Andrew more than four decades ago.
William MacDowell was arrested in the north of England in the early hours of yesterday before being taken to the Highlands to appear on petition in the afternoon.
MacDowell, of Penrith, Cumbria, faces two charges of murder and two charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
He made no plea during a brief private appearance before Sheriff Margaret Neilson. He was committed for further examination and granted bail, with his next court appearance yet to be arranged.
The pensioner arrived at court in a white unmarked Peugeot 308 police car at 3.37pm, and was helped out of the vehicle by two CID officers.
Dressed in a blue jacket and jeans, he stumbled slightly before being taking into Inverness Sheriff Court through the rear entrance.
Two uniformed officers stood guard outside as MacDowell exited the court 40 minutes later and returned to the white Peugeot carrying a Tesco bag.
MacDowell appeared in court as a detailed search of Leanach Quarry, near Culloden Battlefield on the outskirts of Inverness, continued.
The bodies of 36-year-old Renee and son Andrew have not been recovered, detectives confirmed.
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.
“Police officers and staff from across the country, as well as a number of partner agencies and contractors, have put an enormous amount of work into this investigation.
“The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered, however the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues.”
Earlier this year detectives signalled their intention to drain Leanach in a bid to solve the 43-year-old mystery.
Renee and Andrew went missing on November 12 1976. Renee’s blue BMW was found ablaze in a lay-by at Dalmagarry, 10 miles outside Inverness on the A9 south.
“The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered, however the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues. DET INSP BRIAN GEDDES