Double tragedy 'unexplained' after bodies of couple found in secluded cottage

Published: 21:51, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 21:57, 28 July 2026 The bodies of a couple were found at a property on the outskirts of a Scottish village after reports of ‘concern for a person’. Police say they are treating the deaths of the pair, named locally as Jim Mair, 43, and his 35-year-old wife Stacy, as ‘unexplained’ but added they did not believe anyone else was involved. The grim discovery was made at an isolated cottage near Houston, Renfrewshire, just before 8am on Monday after police were alerted. It is understood the dead couple, who married in 2019, had been renting the property on secluded Corsliehill Road, around two miles from the village. 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 this year. 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 were also doing 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.’ Investigation: Police outside the remote property where the bodies were found Tragic couple: Jim Mair, 43, and his wife Stacy, 35 Wedding day: The couple pictured in 2019 after they were married 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. ‘My understanding is that he worked on the trains before but I don’t know much beyond that. ‘I’ve had the police at my door this morning asking if I knew anything.’ The road remained closed yesterday as detectives, forensic officers and specialist search teams examined the cottage and the surrounding grounds. A force spokesman said: ‘An investigation is ongoing into the deaths of a 35-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man in the Houston area. ‘At around 7.50am on Monday we received a report of concern for a person in Corsliehill Road. ‘Emergency services attended, and the body of a man and a woman were found nearby. ‘The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will be carried out in due course. ‘Extensive enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances. At this time, there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved. ‘Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.’ Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.