WATCH: Police welcome conviction in Renee MacRae cold case folowing years of speculation over double murder
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Police have released a statement following the conviction of a man for double murder in one of Scotland’s longest-running missing persons cases.
William MacDowell has been on trial at the High Court in Inverness charged with the causing the death of lover Renee MacRae and their son Andrew.
MacDowell (80) had denied murdering the 36-year-old housewife and her son at the Dalmagarry lay-by on November 12, 1976.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes has welcomed the closure of one of the biggest cold cases that Police Scotland has ever faced and said he hoped it would bring some comfort to their friends and family despite their bodies never being recovered.
DCI Geddes said: “An 80-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of Renee and Andrew MacRae in the Highlands in 1976.
“William MacDowell was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Inverness today.
“Renee and three-year-old son Andrew left their home in Inverness on November 12, 1976 heading south on the A9.
“Their BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening.
“Neither Renee or Andrew have been seen since and their bodies have never been found.
“MacDowell was arrested in September 2019 following an extensive review and re-investigation carried out by detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team and this included local officers as well building on decades of work carried out since 1976.
“Renee and Andrew’s family and friends have waited decades for justice and I hope that the outcome in court today provides some form of closure for them.
“They have carried themselves with absolute dignity throughout and they are very much in my thoughts today.
“The murders of Renee and Andrew have had a significant impact on the people of Inverness and beyond for decades.
"It is fitting to know that despite the passage of time justice has finally been served.
"Although justice has now been done Renee and Andrew's bodies have not been found and I would urge anyone who may have information about where they are to come forward so they can be provided with the dignity that they deserve.
"In particular I would appeal directly to William MacDowell to speak to us and allow us to bring closure to the family."
