Kidnap probe as councillor quits

Officers searched the councillor's home on Monday

An Aberdeen councillor who has resigned his seat may have been a target for an alleged abduction plot, BBC Scotland understands.

Liberal Democrat Raymond Hutcheon stood down the day after the garden of his home was searched by police involved in a murder inquiry.

Officers are investigating the death of Robert Mair, 57, whose body was found in his home almost two weeks ago.

Mr Hutcheon, who represented Danestone, was not available for comment.

He had been a councillor in Aberdeen for 20 years, serving as convener of the licensing committee and sitting on the police board and the council's scrutiny and standards committee.

Searched garden

Mr Hutcheon is not facing any charges and has not appeared in court.

However, he resigned after police investigating a murder searched his garden and nearby woodland on the outskirts of the city.

The body of Mr Mair, a father-of-two, was discovered at his home in the Northfield area of Aberdeen.

Three people have been remanded in custody after being charged with his murder.

No plea

Stephen Rankin, 32, of Darvel, Ayrshire, made no plea when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.

On Tuesday, Jane McBurnie, 17, of Thetford, Norfolk, and Derek Carswell, 40, of Dreghorn, Ayrshire, faced allegations of murder and other offences at the same court.

They made no plea and were remanded in custody.

No details of the other offences were given.

However, BBC Scotland understands they relate to an alleged plot to abduct and assault Mr Hutcheon.