Body in woods
The team has also appealed for sightings of a silver Ford Galaxy car, now being linked to the enquiry.
Detective Superintendent Jim Smith of the major investigation team said: “Formal identification has now taken place and she has been identified as Annalise Johnstone, aged 22, from the Ardrossan area of Ayrshire.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Annalise at this time. We have specialist officers assisting the family through these difficult times.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have any information to come forward.”
DSI Smith continued with his briefing yesterday: “Officers are carrying out forensic examinations as well as reviewing CCTV and speaking to the local community in and around the area.
“As part of our investigation it has been established that Annalise had left her home address in Ardrossan around 5pm on Wednesday, May 9 and has travelled to the Tayside area.
“Annalise was last seen near to Ruthven Court, Auchterarder around about 10pm that same day having been dropped off there.
“I am also keen to confirm the movements of a silver coloured Ford Galaxy motor vehicle, registration mark ST67 HXL, which is linked to this enquiry. I would appeal to the public who may have seen this vehicle to also contact police.
“We are also looking to trace her iPhone 5S mobile phone which is lime green in colour, within a red flip style case, and a small wallet which has the Marvel superheroes thereon.
“A clear bag of medication which is four to five inches in size which will have a sticker on it with Annalise’s name, is also missing.”
The senior officer added: “We are doing everything we can to try and find out what has happened to Annalise and would seek the assistance of the public in that respect.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious on this stretch of road in the preceding days to please come forward.
“No matter how insignificant the information they have, it may prove vital in establishing what has happened.
“Also I would appeal to anyone who has travelled that stretch of road or the surrounding area who has dash cam footage to please get in touch with us.
“Please get in touch with us even if you think your information may not be relevant to the enquiry, it may prove vital in establishing what has happened to Annalise.”
In Perth Chief Inspector Ian Scott, local area commander for Perth and Kinross said: “We are aware the incident may raise concerns in Perthshire and the wider community but I would like to take the opportunity to reassure the public that there will be a visible police presence whilst investigations are carried out.
“If anyone has any concerns or information, they should speak to an officer.”
Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email: oprupestris@scotland.pnn.police.uk