Renee MacRae’s killer, William MacDowell, has been transferred from Inverness to Glenochil prison in Tullibody following concerns for his failing health.
The 81-year-old was jailed for the murder of Renee MacRae and her toddler son Andrew 46 years ago.
Following a trial in September, MacDowell was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, however, his poor health has required him to be transferred out of Inverness.
He was taken to HMP Glenochil in Tullibody early on Wednesday, November 23.
MacDowell suffers from severe liver and kidney issues and throughout his trial was confined to a wheelchair and looked visibly frail.
The transfer to Glenochil is to provide constant care for the pensioner, something that HMP Porterfield in Inverness could do.
Following his sentencing, he spent a good deal of time in Raigmore Hospital, where he was kept under constant supervision before being moved to prison.
MacDowell was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
A source close to the prison told the Sunday Express that “preparations have been underway for some time”.
It is not known if his wife or two daughters have been to visit him in prison.
Following the trial at the High Court in Inverness, MacDowell was also found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of the bodies and their personal effects.
During the trial, the court heard how MacDowell killed or abducted Mrs MacRae and the son they shared at a layby on the A9 near Dalmagarry, south of Inverness, on November 12, 1976.
Police are still keen to speak with MacDowell to find out where the bodies of his victims are.
However, his legal team have indicated they are planning to appeal the conviction, which must be lodged by the end of November.
The Scottish Prison Service has been approached for comment.
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