This is the week’s key evidence in the ongoing murder trial of William MacDowell, 80, who denies killing Renee and Andrew MacRae in 1976.
Friday September 16
Day 4: Secret lover seen cleaning car boot after pair vanish
A colleague of the man accused of murdering Renee MacRae saw him cleaning the boot of his car days after she vanished with her three-year-old son Andrew, the court heard.
Mrs MacRae’s best friend also told jurors the 36-year-old had planned to spend the weekend of her disappearance with her secret lover William (Bill) MacDowell, 80.
Thursday September 15
Day 3: Sister knew ‘something dreadful had happened’
The sister of Renee MacRae knew “something dreadful had happened” when she didn’t receive a regular weekly phone call from her, the murder trial was told.
Wednesday September 14
Day 2: Estranged husband denies being responsible
The estranged husband of Renee MacRae told the court that he has no knowledge of police ever suspecting he was responsible for her disappearance.
Retired building firm boss Gordon MacRae, 85, was giving evidence on the second day of the trial of his former company secretary, 80-year-old William MacDowell.
Tuesday September 13
Day 1: ‘Blood-curdling scream’ on night of disappearance
A “blood-curdling scream” was heard on the night Inverness mum Renee MacRae and her three-year-old son Andrew disappeared almost 46 years ago, the court was told.
Catherine Johnstone, 68, was giving evidence on day one of the trial of William MacDowell, 80, who denies the murders of Renee and Andrew on November 12, 1976.
At the time, Mrs Johnstone lived with her parents at a farm opposite the Dalmagarry lay-by on the A9, near Tomatin, where Mrs MacRae’s blue BMW was found ablaze.
