A 70-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering a woman in her Inverness home.

The body of Elizabeth Mackay, or Muir, was discovered at her Kintail Court house in the city's Hilton area on March 31.

Michael Taylor, from Inverness, appeared in private at the city's sheriff court on Thursday charged with her murder.

The Crown Office said he made no plea or declaration at the hearing and was committed for further examination.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at a further hearing next week.

Ms Mackay, 60, was described by family and friends as a "gentle person" who kept herself to herself.