Police probing the disappearance of Renee MacRae and her son Andrew in 1976 have arrested and charged a 77-year-old man in connection with their deaths.
The man was arrested in the north of England this morning by detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team and is expected to appear at Inverness Sheriff Court later on Wednesday.
A detailed forensic search of Leanach Quarry, in Culloden, near Inverness, continues and the bodies of Renee and three-year-old Andrew have not been recovered.
Renee and Andrew were last seen driving out of Inverness on November 12, 1976. The 36-year-old mother-of-two's BMW was found burnt-out in a lay-by on the A9 near Dalmagarry, 12 miles south of the city, but the pair have never been seen since.
More than 100,000 tons of earth, silt and other material was removed from the quarry during the course of the investigation and cops found bones and parts of a pushchair.
But the arrest marks a huge step forward in an investigation running for over four decades.
Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said: “This is a significant development in an investigation which started when Renee and Andrew disappeared in November 1976.
“Their disappearance has had an unimaginable impact on the lives of Renee and Andrew’s family and friends for several decades.
"This has also been felt keenly in Inverness, but also across Scotland and beyond.
"Police officers and staff from across the country, as well as a number of partner agencies and contractors, have put an enormous amount of work into this investigation from 1976 to the present day, allowing us to reach this point.
"The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered, however the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues.
"I would like to thank everyone who has assisted the investigation, whether during our recent enquiries, or at any time since 1976.
"We would also continue to ask anyone who believes they can assist police to contact 101 or you can e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
