A man has been charged in connection with the murder of Rennee MacRae and her son more than 40 years on since they disappeared. 

Renee MacRae and three-year-old Andrew were last seen driving out of Inverness on November 12, 1976

The pair have never been seen since with their BMW found burnt-out in a lay-by on the A9. 

Police have now confirmed a 77-year-old man was arrested in the north of England on Wednesday and charged in connection with their deaths.

He is due to appear in Inverness Sheriff Court later today.

READ MORE: Renee MacRae 'murder': Fresh bid to solve 42-year mystery of missing mother and toddler 

It comes following a forensic search of Leanach Quarry, near Inverness in a bid to find the bodies of Ms MacRae and Andrew. As of yet, their bodies have never been found.  

Detective inspector Brian Geddes said: "This is a significant development in an investigation which started when Renee and Andrew disappeared in November 1976. 

"Their disappearance has had an unimaginable impact on the lives of Renee and Andrew's family and friends for several decades.

"This has also been felt keenly in Inverness, but also across Scotland and beyond. 

READ MORE: The disappearance of Renee MacRae: A timeline of events 

"Police officers and staff from across the country, as well as a number of partner agencies and contractors, have put an enormous amount of work into this investigation from 1976 to the present day, allowing us to reach this point. 

"The remains of Renee and Andrew have not been recovered, however the searching of a large quantity of material removed from Leanach Quarry continues. 

"I would like to thank everyone who has assisted the investigation, whether during our recent enquiries or at any time since 1976. 

"We would also continue to ask anyone who believes they can assist police to contact 101or you can e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk."