The carers of a missing woman allegedly not seen in public since 1999 have been charged with her murder.

Margaret Fleming was reported missing by Eddie Cairney and Avril Jones on October 28 last year.

However, a year-long police investigation failed to find any trace of the 36-year-old.

Cairney, 76, and Jones, 57, were arrested on Thursday and appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday charged with murder.

They made no plea or declaration during a brief hearing and were remanded in custody.

They were also charged with abduction and assault, attempting to defeat the ends of justice and fraud.