Defense Ministry military intelligence experts are helping in a painstaking search for the remains of a mother and son who were killed almost 50 years ago.
Renee McRae, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew were murdered by William McDowell in November 1976.
Married McDowell, who was having an affair with Mrs. McRae convicted in 2022 But he died behind bars at the age of 81, without revealing where they had disposed of their bodies.
Police scotland Said that several sites near Nairnside, east of Inverness, were subject to detailed analysis beginning of this week.
The force said the survey work was conducted by members of the National Center for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) – part of the Military Intelligence Services (MIS) – using drones and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) equipment.
Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes said: “The results of this scoping activity will be studied to assess whether further investigative activity is required.
“I want to thank our military colleagues who assisted with this survey and provided their expertise, and also the landowners for their assistance with access throughout the week.
“Our work continues as we strive to ensure the family gets the answers they deserve.”
Armed Forces Minister Al Carnes said: “Our world-class professionals have once again shown how the armed forces can bring real value to the UK in supporting their civilian partners at home.
“I would like to congratulate our experts at the National Center for Geospatial Intelligence on their successful operation to assist Police Scotland in locating Rennie and Andrew McRae.
“This reflects our whole of society approach in action, and we will continue to support Police Scotland in any way we can.”
Mrs. McRae and Andrew have been missing since 12 November 1976.
The pair left their home in Inverness with Mrs McRae’s BMW car, which was found on fire on the A9 near Dalmagary later that day.
Mrs. McRae’s BMW burned. Photo: PA
McDowell and mother-of-two Mrs McRae had been having an affair for more than four years when she disappeared.
Mrs McRae was separated from her husband Gordon, who was McDowell’s boss at Hugh McRae Builders Ltd.
At his trial, McDowell denied any wrongdoing and his wife Rosemary brought him to the High Court in Inverness every day in a wheelchair.
However, jurors rejected his claim that someone else had committed the murders and convicted him of the crimes.
Judge Lord Armstrong described the murders as “hanging” as he imposed a life sentence with a minimum of 30 years behind bars.
MacDowell, an inmate at HMP Glenochil in Clackmannanshire, died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in February 2023.
Read more from Sky News:
Benefit cheat caught ziplining in Mexico
Britain told to prepare for ‘worst case scenario’ without US defense
Police exploring the Dalmagerie mine in 2004. Image: PA
Investigations have been ongoing since 1976, and the Dalmagary mine was extensively explored during a month-long excavation in 2004.
After this, officers returned to this area last year search for something During road construction on the A9.
In 2019, Leenach Quarry was excavated as part of the investigation.
Police searching Leenach Quarry in 2019. Photo: PA
In August 2023, police said that officers were investigating properties linked to McDowell, as well as other locations where he met Mrs. McRae during their relationship.
DS Geddes said: “This case will not be considered solved until we find Renee and Andrew.
“We are grateful to the family and friends for doing everything possible to recover the bodies of Renee and Andrew so they can be provided with the dignity they deserve.”
