A new search is scheduled to uncover the remains of a mother and her young child at the former residence of their convicted killer. The quest to find Renee MacRae and her son Andrew, who vanished under mysterious circumstances 50 years ago, will soon commence at a property previously owned by the perpetrator, William MacDowell.
Law enforcement and military specialists are preparing to conduct a dig on the extensive grounds near the property following the discovery of disturbed soil dating back to the time of Renee and Andrew’s disappearance in a historical survey. Forensic experts have received approval to proceed with excavations around MacDowell’s former residence.
Relatives of Renee and Andrew have been informed of the latest developments. The mother and son went missing on November 12, 1976, with Renee’s burnt-out BMW car found near Dalmagarry Quarry, approximately 12 miles south of Inverness. MacDowell, who passed away five months after his conviction at the age of 81, never disclosed the whereabouts of the victims’ bodies.
After evading justice for 45 years, MacDowell was eventually convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Authorities in Scotland have pledged to pursue the case until the remains are located. MacDowell, also known as Bill, resided near Inverness at the time of the murders and was involved with Renee’s estranged husband’s company, from which he was dismissed following the revelation of their affair.
Renee had anticipated meeting MacDowell for a weekend getaway before relocating to Shetland at the time of her disappearance. The devoted mother, survived by her eldest son Gordon, was deeply involved with MacDowell, resulting in the birth of their child Andrew within a year of their relationship commencing.
MacDowell, who was serving time at HMP Glenochil in Alloa, passed away at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in February 2023, just a year into his sentence. Progress in the case was made last year when potential evidence, believed to be a potty and a carpet, was discovered near the A9, close to Dalmagarry Quarry where Renee’s car was found ablaze in 1976.
Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes affirmed that the investigation into the murders of Renee and Andrew MacRae is ongoing, with authorities diligently pursuing all leads.