Efforts ongoing to locate the bodies of Renee and Andrew MacRae

Detectives working with military intelligence specialists from the Ministry of Defence have been carrying out a survey near Inverness as part of ongoing efforts to locate the bodies of Renee and Andrew MacRae.

The mother and son were murdered in 1976, and their remains have never been found, despite extensive searches over the decades.

A number of sites near Nairnside, east of Inverness have been subject to detailed analysis during the week beginning Monday 23 March, 2026.

The survey work has been conducted by members of the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), part of Military Intelligence Services , using drones and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) equipment across a number of locations.

Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes, said: “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 to provide them with the dignity they deserve.

“The results of this scoping activity will be studied to assess whether further search activity is required.

“I want to thank our military colleagues who have assisted and provided their expertise to this survey, and also the landowners for their assistance with access through the week.

“Our work continues as we try to ensure the family get the answers they deserve. I would urge anyone who may be able to assist, no matter how small you may feel your information is, to come forward and speak to police.”

Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said: “Our world-class professionals have once again shown how the Armed Forces can bring real value to supporting their civilian partners at home in the UK.

“I want to congratulate our specialists from the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence on a successful operation to support Police Scotland’s search for Renee and Andrew MacRae.

“This shows our whole-of-society approach in action, and we will continue to support Police Scotland in any way we can.”

Renee, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew left their home in Inverness on November 12, 1976.

Their BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening.

William MacDowell, then aged 80, was found guilty of their murders at the High Court in Inverness in September 2022. He died in February 2023.

Anyone who believes they can assist police is asked to contact 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.