Pensioner, 77, is charged over deaths of mother, 36, and her three-year-old son who disappeared more than 40 years ago as police continue search for bodies in quarry
A 77-year-old pensioner man has been charged over the deaths of a woman and her three-year-old son who disappeared more than 40 years ago.
Police Scotland said the man was arrested in the north of England this morning and charged in relation to the deaths of Renee MacRae and her son Andrew.
Ms MacRae, 36, was last seen driving out of Inverness with her three-year-old son on November 12 1976.
The mother-of-two’s BMW was found burned out in a lay-by on the A9 near Dalmagarry, 12 miles south of the city. The pair were not seen again.
The charged man, who has not yet been named in accordance with Scottish legal procedures, is expected to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court today.
Renee MacRae and three-year-old Andrew Macrae went missing in 1976. A 77-year-old man, who police have not named, has now been charged over their death
Police said a forensic search of Leanach Quarry, east of of Inverness, as part of the investigation is continuing and the bodies of the Ms MacRae and the toddler have not been recovered.
More than 100,000 tonnes of earth, silt and other material has been removed since work started in May.
Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said: ‘This is a significant development in an investigation which 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.
‘This has also been felt keenly in Inverness but also across Scotland and beyond.’
He added: ‘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 from 1976 to the present day, allowing us to reach this point.
‘The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered, however, the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues.
‘I would like to thank everyone who has assisted the investigation, whether during our recent inquiries or at any time since 1976.’
Anyone who can assist police has been asked to phone police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 55111 or e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk.