'We spoiled her and she doted on us' – grief of Mary's husband

THE grieving husband of Mary McLaren spoke for the first time yesterday of his heartbreak at her death as detectives confirmed she had been murdered.

Scott McLaren told of his family's anguish during the two-week search for his wife, who had gone missing during a night out clubbing in Dundee city centre.

Mr McLaren said: "Mary was deservedly spoiled by us all. She was such a kind, funny, popular, friendly person and always put her family first. Words cannot describe how much we are already missing her."

Tayside Police yesterday issued a tribute from Mr McLaren to his wife as the force officially confirmed she had been murdered.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun McKillop, the senior investigating officer, said: "A post-mortem examination was carried out today and we are now treating Mary's death as a murder.

"Forensic examination of the scene will continue over the course of the weekend and we will continue to speak to potential witnesses over the next few days.

"I must stress that at this stage in the investigation we have not detained, arrested or charged anyone in connection with her death. However, inquiries are continuing and we are examining all of the witness statements and forensic evidence in a bid to ensure that justice is done.

"Our thoughts are with Mary's family at this very upsetting and distressing time."

The 34-year-old mother of three went missing on 25 February following a night out with her younger sister.

Mr McLaren, of Rowantree Crescent, Dundee, and his wife first met as teenagers, and married at Dundee Registrar's Office in October 2001. The couple have three children, Sarah-Jane, 17, who is pregnant with her first child, Aaron, 14 and Dylan, ten.

Mr McLaren, 40, said: "Mary and I met when we were in our early teens at Kingspark School. I still can't believe that she has gone. It's heartbreaking.

"The worst part was not knowing where she was, and wondering why she had never contacted anyone in the family. It was just so out of character. She just loved life and spending time with her family, whether it was shopping with her sisters, playing bingo, going out dancing or just socialising."

He continued: "Family meant a great deal to Mary and every year we would all go on holiday together, to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seton Sands or Blackpool. She just doted on us all and she was looking forward to becoming a granny. It's extremely sad that she will never get the chance to enjoy that time in her life."

Mr McLaren added: "The last few weeks have been extremely upsetting for the whole family and I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and kindness. I would particularly like to thank anyone who came forward with information to help Tayside Police find Mary. I cannot thank you enough.''

Earlier, Mrs McLaren's mother, Margaret McIntosh, had wept as she visited the spot where the body of her "precious one" was discovered earlier this week.

Supported by family friends, a frail Mrs McIntosh paid a touching tribute to her daughter at the Dundee roadside which has become a shrine to her memory. She wept as she said: "Mary – I miss you so much. Rest in peace, my baby."