Renee’s son Andrew would now be 45 – but his heartbroken aunt says the then three-year-old “was never given the chance to build his life” because it was “brought so cruelly to an end”.
Morag Govans, Renee’s sister, described Andrew – who was only three when he disappeared with his mum 42 years ago today – as “a mischievous and fun-loving wee boy”.
Speaking ahead of today’s emotional anniversary, the 80-year-old said: “More than four decades on, the pain of losing Renee and Andrew doesn’t ease. Not a day goes past that both are not in my thoughts.
“It is impossible to take in that his life was so cruelly cut short at such a young age.
“He would have turned 45 in October. He was three at the time and I often wonder what he would have been doing now with the life that he was never given the chance to build.”
She added: “Renee was a compassionate and caring mother. Both Andrew and his elder brother Gordon were her life. She adored them and was so proud of her boys.
“Gordon was only eight and has lost the love and guidance of his mum and brother.
“Even after the passage of time I believe that there are people who know what happened to Renee and Andrew and I will never give up hope of getting justice for them both.
“I appeal for anyone with any information to come forward and for others to examine their conscience to end 42 years of pain and anguish to allow us to grieve for Renee and Andrew.”