By Mark McLaughlin

THE SKULL of a deceased Glasgow accountant who went missing over a year ago has been sent to Dundee to try to establish the cause of death.

Experts at the Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Lab at Dundee University will analyse the only known remains of Andrew Ramsay, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances last year.

Detectives confirmed at a press conference yesterday that the skull—recovered by the crew of a fishing vessel working in the Firth of Clyde on April 5—did belong to the missing businessman.

Now the forensic team at Dundee University, headed by Professor Sue Black, will assist police in their attempts to find out what happened to him.

Professor Black was approached for comment yesterday but university sources said her work with the police is confidential and she would not be allowed to speak at this time.

At the press conference, Detective Superintendent William Prendergast of Strathclyde Police who investigated the accountant’s disappearance, said he was “deeply saddened” to have to inform Mr Ramsay’s family that his remains had been identified.

He added, “Throughout the past 15 months, we never gave up hope that he would be found safe and well.

“At this time, it is very difficult to say how long he had been in the water, other than a considerable length of time. Further detailed inquiries are being carried out.

“The investigation into Andrew’s disappearance was never closed. Inquiries were carried out throughout Britain and abroad in an effort to trace Andrew.

“I remain determined to find out what happened to him and urge anyone with any information whatsoever in relation to his disappearance to get in touch with the police.”

Mr Ramsay, who would have been 53 this year, went missing on February 22, 2006.

He and his partner Beverley left the Quo Vadis public house in Paisley Road West shortly after 7pm and walked a short distance to their home in Berryknowes Road, Cardonald.

As they arrived, two smartly dressed men purporting to be police officers told Mr Ramsay he was under arrest and took him away in a dark-coloured car. Since that date, there has been no confirmed sighting of Mr Ramsay.

Strathclyde Police CID are still appealing for information on Mr Ramsay’s death and can be contacted at Helen Street police office on 0141 532 5436. Alternatively, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.