A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a missing mum and toddler.

William MacDowell was arrested over the deaths of Renee MacRae and three-year-old Andrew from Inverness.

The mum and son were last seen driving out of Inverness on November 12, 1976.

The 77-year-old, from Penrith, Cumbria, is accused of murdering both of them and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

MacDowell made no plea or declaration during the private hearing at Inverness Sheriff Court and the case was committed for further examination.

He was bailed and is expected to appear in court at a later date.