Woman in court on murder charge after girl's death in Inverness

Rachel Cowley at court.

A 42-year-old woman appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court this afternoon charged with the murder of a four-year-old girl whose body was found near a burn at the rear of Raigmore Hospital.

Rachael Cowley, of Shenval, near Drumnadrochit, is accused of killing the child. She is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The girl’s body was discovered after a woman and child were reported missing at about 10pm on Tuesday in Inverness, sparking a major police search.

The youngster was found dead shortly after 3am yesterday at the rear of the hospital at a burn.

Floral tributes and a small teddy bear have been left next to the burn where the grim discovery was made.

Floral tributes and a small teddy bear have been left next to the burn where the grim discovery was made.

Cowley made no plea or declaration in court yesterday and was remanded in custody.