Renewed search to find bodies of murdered mum and toddler Renee and Andrew MacRae

A renewed search to find the bodies of a murdered mum and her toddler has been launched after their family waited “decades for justice”.

Renee MacRae, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew were murdered by William MacDowell after their disappearance from their home in Inverness on November 12, 1976.

@stvnews A renewed search to find the bodies of a murdered mum and her toddler has been launched after their family waited 'decades for justice'. #stvnews #scotland ♬ original sound – STV News

MacDowell was found guilty of their murders at the High Court in Inverness in September 2022 at the age of 80. He later died in February 2023.

After her disappearance, Renee’s BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening.

Double murderer William MacDowell, 81, who was jailed for life last year for killing the 36-year-old woman and her three-year-old in the Highlands in November 1976, died in February. STV News

However, their bodies have never been found.

Detective chief inspector Brian Geddes said: “Renee and Andrew’s family and friends waited decades for justice, which was served last year.

“However, their bodies have not been found and our investigation continues to explore all possible opportunities open to us to help answer that final, most important question in order to provide Renee and Andrew with the dignity they deserve.

“We continue to review the available evidence to identify any further areas of interest, while also considering whether there are any opportunities that modern technology could assist with in identifying possible deposition sites.

“This review includes considering any properties which may be linked to William MacDowell which he could have used, possibly a derelict building, an empty one or even an occupied one he had use of.

“The time scale would be the early to mid-1970s and we are hoping someone may remember seeing Renee MacRae’s BMW car in an area perhaps with MacDowell’s company Volvo or the family white Range Rover.

“We are also considering possible sites where they may have met during their relationship, possible including the Blackfold area above Loch Ness, Inverfarigaig, and between Nairnside and Daviot.

“This case will never be considered resolved until we find Renee and Andrew. We owe it to the family and friends to make every effort to recover Renee and Andrew’s bodies and I would urge anyone who may be able to assist, no matter how small you may feel your information is, to come forward.”

Anyone who believes they can assist police is asked to contact 101 or you can email SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.police.uk. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.