Two people appeared in private at Forfar Sheriff Court today on petition alleging the murder of missing Montrose mum Kim MacKenzie.
Steven Jackson, 39, and Michelle Higgins, 28, both from Montrose, appeared before Sheriff Ferguson this afternoon.
Jackson, Market Street, who was represented by Nick Markowski, was charged with murder on Friday after officers discovered human remains in Market Street.
Higgins, of Lower Craigo Street, was represented by Nick Whelan. She was initially detained on Friday.
They are accused of repeatedly striking the victim on the head with a hammer and neck with a knife.
Making brief and separate appearances, both accused made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.
Jackson and Higgins were remanded in custody. They are expected to make a further court appearance next week.
Human remains found late on Wednesday night were those of 37-year-old Miss MacKenzie, who was last seen on October 26.
It is understood police are still searching for body parts in relation to the fast-moving inquiry.
The arrests followed a major police operation at several locations in the Angus town, including the local authority recycling centre which was closed on Thursday as part of the inquiry.