Police last night launched a murder investigation after the bodies of a couple were found at a secluded cottage.
Detectives said they were treating the woman’s death as murder while the man’s death is ‘unexplained’.
She was named by police as Stacy Mair, 35. The 43-year-old man, believed to be her husband, was named locally yesterday as Jim Mair.
The grim discovery was made at an isolated cottage near Houston, Renfrewshire, just before 8am on Monday after police were alerted to a report of concern for a person. Emergency services attended and the bodies were found nearby.
Last night, police said that following a post-mortem, Stacy’s death was being treated as murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Young, of the Major Investigation Team, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected by this incident.
‘They are understandably devastated, and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this incredibly difficult time.’
Chief Inspector Iain Farmer said: ‘This is a deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt right across the local community.
Murder: Police said Stacy Mair’s family have been left devastated
Investigation: Police outside the remote property where the bodies were found
Tragic couple: Jim Mair, 43, and his wife Stacy, 35
‘I am grateful for the support we have received as we complete our essential enquires to ensure the families and local residents get the answers they need.’
It is understood the couple, who married in 2019, had been renting the property on secluded Corsliehill Road, around two miles from Houston.
Mr Mair, from Glasgow, was a tree surgeon, and his wife, originally from Falkland, Fife, was a director in his company before stepping down in January.
There was a major police presence in the area yesterday with more than a dozen vehicles parked outside the detached cottage in the single-track country lane, with both ends of the road sealed off as forensic teams probed the scene.
Forensic officers were seen entering the cottage and surrounding woodland where a tent was erected as evidence was being gathered.
Police carried out door-to-door inquiries to try to build a picture of what had happened. The deaths have sent shockwaves through the local area.
On neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘This is just awful news for the community here. Nobody really wants to talk about it but we have heard that something tragic happened and we are all so deeply affected. I think everyone is in shock.’
Residents described the area around Corsliehill Road as peaceful and secluded, with the woodland lane typically used by walkers, cyclists and locals while it is also a favoured path for dog walkers.
Another neighbour said the couple had been new to the area and added: ‘They only moved here recently.
‘I did talk with him a few times but didn’t know much about him apart from that he was a tree sturgeon. He originally came from Glasgow and they were renting the cottage.’
The road remained closed yesterday as detectives, forensic officers and specialist search teams examined the cottage and the surrounding grounds.
