A tree surgeon and his wife have been found dead at a secluded cottage in a possible ‘murder-suicide’. 

The bodies of Stacy Mair, 35, and a 43-year-old man understood to be her ex-husband Jim Mair were discovered at an isolated cottage near Houston, Renfrewshire, just before 8am on Monday.    

Now, Police Scotland have launched a murder investigation into Ms Mair’s death while Mr Mair’s death is being treated as ‘unexplained’.

It is understood the couple had separated earlier this year. 

Mr Mair had appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on July 6 where he was accused of serious assault and bailed on the condition he stayed away from Ms Mair.

Police made the grim discovery  when they were alerted by family members on Monday morning.

Last night, following a post-mortem, the force said it was treating Ms Mair’s death as murder.

Sources have claimed that a firearm was found at the scene.

A legal source, speaking to The Sun, described the incident as an ‘utterly horrendous case which has ended with the woman’s death’. 

‘Jim was facing domestic abuse charges against Stacy and had been warned by the court not to approach her,’ they said. 

‘There will need to be an inquiry into what was done to protect her and what risk assessment was done after the bail conditions were set.

‘But he was clearly set on attacking her and it has ended in tragedy.’

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.

‘I am grateful for the support we have received as we complete our essential enquiries 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.

One 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 surgeon. 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.