Army joins search for remains of mother and son killed 50 years ago

Nearly five decades after a tragic double murder, military specialists are now joining forces with police in a renewed search for the remains of a mother and her young son. Renee MacRae and her three-year-old son Andrew vanished in 1976, with their case remaining unresolved for years despite multiple investigations. The initial evidence emerged when Renee’s car was discovered ablaze in a lay-by near Dalmagarry Quarry, located south of Inverness, on November 12 of that year. However, neither Renee nor Andrew were ever found at the scene.

In 2022, William MacDowell, aged 81, who had been romantically involved with Renee, was convicted for the murders. Unfortunately, he passed away a few months after his sentencing without disclosing the location of the bodies. Following a request for specialized support, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Army is now assisting Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency as part of the ongoing investigation. Details regarding the exact site of the current search have not been publicly revealed.

The murders of Renee and Andrew have prompted repeated inquiries over the years, including searches of moorlands and a flooded quarry in the vicinity. Dalmagarry Quarry itself was extensively examined both during the initial probe and again in 2004, when authorities excavated 35,000 tonnes of earth and removed 2,000 trees over a three-week period. Despite these efforts, no conclusive discoveries were made. Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes emphasized that the investigation is still active, with all leads continuously pursued.

During his trial, MacDowell’s defense included claims of alibi and incrimination, but he was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years. The judge, Lord Armstrong, described the killings as “executions.” Evidence presented revealed that the case also exposed MacDowell’s extramarital affair with Renee, who had been planning to reunite with him for a weekend getaway before moving to Shetland. At the time, MacDowell was known locally as Bill MacDowell and had worked as a company secretary at a building firm owned by Renee’s estranged husband, Gordon. The affair led to MacDowell’s dismissal from the company. Renee is survived by her eldest son, Gordon. MacDowell died in February 2023 while imprisoned at HMP Glenochil and receiving hospital treatment at Forth Valley Royal Hospital

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