The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Mother fears for welfare of her missing son
Police and rescue services are combing the Crieff and Comrie areas
The mother of a Perthshire man who has been missing for four days said she is becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Margaret Cruickshank, 66, said she is trying to be positive there will be a good outcome to the search for son, Martyn, following a major operation carried out in Crieff and Comrie this week.
She said her daughter-in-law, Claire, had heard Martyn, 42, getting up on Tuesday morning at the family home in Turretbank Drive, Crieff, and leaving the house.
The alarm was raised when he failed to return and she discovered he had left his house keys behind.
Mrs Cruickshank said the family were told footage of her son was captured on a neighbour’s CCTV on Tuesday morning.
Police were in the Laggan Road area of Crieff yesterday conducting door-todoor inquiries and a police dog section was operating near Loch Monzievaird holiday chalets, near Comrie.
Posters asking for help tracing Mr Cruickshank have been put up at bus stops and lampposts throughout Crieff.
Police have confirmed they have been carrying out a major search operation, including using dedicated officers, specialist search units, mountain rescue, search dogs and air support.
Yesterday, Martyn’s mother said all efforts are being made to trace her son, a welder, but revealed the family are baffled by his disappearance.
“You have to try to be positive and keep hoping Martyn will be found,” she said. “It gets difficult the longer time goes on.”
“There were a lot of volunteers looking for Martyn and I know police officers have been knocking on doors. I couldn’t go out on the search, it’s just too difficult for me.”
Neighbours were equally shocked at Martyn’s disappearance.
Jean Fairgrieve, 52, of Laggan Road, said the father-of-two kept himself to himself. “He is a quiet person. It’s awful he’s gone missing, all the people that live in this area hope he is found,” she said.
Mr Cruickshank is described as being 5ft 9ins tall, with dark hair and of slim build. He is thought to be wearing a Helly Hansen ski jacket, a dark hooded top and blue jeans.
Anyone with information should phone 101.