UPDATE: HIGH COURT IN INVERNESS: Renee MacRae's estranged husband 'not complicit' in her disappearance
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Accused William MacDowell has lodged a special defence claiming Mr MacRae and others were responsible for the disappearance of Renee MacRae and her son Andrew in 1976
In addition to proceedings reported earlier, defence agent for William MacDowlell (80), Murray MacAra KC questioned Mr MacRae about things he said or may have said to police and an ex-girlfriend, Iris Davidson.
"Did you ever have a conversation with her that a quarry would be a good place to hide a body?" he asked.
Mr MacRae answered: "No. Absolute nonsense. It is preposterous what you are saying."
Mr MacAra then said: "I am not suggesting that you went to Dalmagarry (where Mrs MacRae's burnt-out BMW was found after her and Andrew's disappearance on November 12, 1976) but I am asking you if you were in any way complicit for Renee's disappearance?"
Mr MacRae responded: "I can't express my indignation that this should be suggested. It is incredible."
He was then questioned about whether he told police about Mrs MacRae drinking to excess and taking pills.
He said he could not remember.
Mr McAra then put Mr MacRae's statement to police in November 1976 to him.
It recorded him telling them that he came home to find her "on pills and drunk. I thought she was going to kill herself."
Mr MacRae replied: "I can't recall saying this. I think it is inaccurate."
Re-examined by advocate depute Alex Prentice, he was again asked: "Did you have any part whatsoever and in any way with the disappearance of Renee and Andrew?"
"Absolutely none," he responded.
The trial continues.
