Ian McGowan appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with the murder of Margaret McGowan who died on Saturday night.
Margaret McGowan(Image: Police Scotland)
A pensioner has been charged with murder after a former teaching assistant was found dead after an alleged disturbance at a Glasgow home.
Ian McGowan, of Glasgow, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court in private on Monday. He made no plea to the charge of murder and was remanded in custody.
The 78-year-old will appear again within the next eight days and was committed for further examination.
Margaret McGowan tragically died at the scene after being found seriously injured by cops on Saturday evening. Emergency services raced out to a property on Newfield Square in Nitshill at around 9.45pm that night.
Sadly Margaret was pronounced dead at the scene.
Floral tributes and drawings were left outside the home
The retired 71-year-old has been described as “one in a million” by devastated ex-colleagues at her former workplace, Gowanbank Primary School.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community with tributes pouring in. Despite retiring from Gowanbank a few years ago, staff say “cheery” Margaret would pass by the school regularly whilst out walking her dog.
The school has now paid their respects in an emotional statement. Headteacher Amanda Clubley said: “Our school community is devastated to hear the tragic news about Margaret who was one in a million.
“Even though Margaret retired a few years ago from Gowanbank, she was still a frequent visitor and walked her dog past the playground each day and always greeted the children and staff with a cheery hello.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Margaret’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Police locked down the scene following Margaret’s death
Pictures taken from the scene on Sunday showed flowers laid outside the property with grieving children leaving drawings by the front garden. The pavement outside had the words “RIP Margaret, we miss you” written in chalk.
Well-wishers took to social media to pay tribute to Margaret. Sharon Carberry wrote: “So sad, god love her. Thinking of all her family at this very sad time.”
Margaret Ball said: “I remember her, she was a lovely women xxx” Mcpherson Elle added: “Such a shame Mrs McGowan was such a lovely woman x”
A 78-year-old man has been charged in connection with the classroom assistant’s death
Last night neighbours told the Record of their shock following the tragedy. One neighbour said: “It’s really shocking. We just heard all the sirens at around 10pm and looked outside to see all the police outside. We knew something serious had happened straight away.
“A cordon was placed near the home, where an elderly couple stayed. No one will tell us what happened but everyone has been left in shock.”
Another neighbour added: “We don’t want to speak about what happened. It has been an emotional day for everyone here.”
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Police Scotland earlier confirmed a man had been charged over Margaret’s death as they released the first picture of her. Officers said the incident was being treated as contained and there is no wider risk to the public.
A full statement from the force read: “A man has been charged in connection with the death of a woman in Glasgow. Shortly before 9.45pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025, officers attended the report of a disturbance at a house in Newfield Square in Nitshill.
“A 71-year old woman was found seriously injured and was pronounced dead at the scene. She can be named as Margaret McGowan. A 78-year-old man has been charged in connection with her death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”