Allan Bryant: Glenrothes dad tells of ‘worst year yet’ nine years on from son’s disappearance

By Neil Henderson

November 2 2022, 1:46pm

Allan Bryant Snr with a board advertising The Courier's documentary about his son's disappearance. Image: Gareth Jennings/DC Thomson.

The dad of missing Glenrothes man Allan Bryant has told of his “worst year yet” – nine years on from his son’s disappearance.

Allan Jnr, who was 23 at the time, has not been seen since leaving Styx nightclub in the town – a short distance from his home – in the early hours of November 3 2013.

Despite a huge search and multiple appeals, his family still have no answers about what happened to him.

The Courier explored Allan’s disappearance in an exclusive documentary, released last year, featuring new interviews and a detailed look at what happened the night he went missing.

Allan was captured on CCTV leaving Styx nightclub on the night he disappeared. Image: Police Scotland

However, his fate remains unknown.

Allan Snr told The Courier: “At times I wonder if I’ll find the strength to continue another year, such is the daily nightmare of not knowing what happened to Allan.

“The last year has been the worst yet with every day adding up to be one continuous hell.”

Allan admits that, with fewer people coming forward as time ticks by, the chances of discovering what happened to his son are slowly diminishing.

Allan Bryant Snr and Jnr. Image: Supplied.

He added: “The biggest worry for me, Allan’s mum Marie and his sisters is that after so much time we will never find the closure we desperately need.

“Fewer people have come forward in the last year and I’m now struggling to find ways to keep Allan’s disappearance in the forefront of people’s minds.”

Allan has been openly critical of aspects of the police’s handling into the investigation of his son’s disappearance.

But he has welcomed a fresh appeal issued by the special investigation team ahead of the ninth anniversary on Thursday.

Styx nightclub. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson.

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh, who is leading the investigation, said: “Allan was a young man on a night out when he disappeared.

“There was nothing apparently out of the ordinary that night and we are still asking people to come forward with information.

“It is agonising for his family and friends not to know and we want to help them find some answers.

Vow to look at ‘every bit of information’

“I am asking people to think back to that night. Did you see Allan after he walked out of Styx?

“Over the years we have looked at every bit of information that has come in from the public as well as carrying out our own inquiries. We will continue to do so.

“I urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with new information can call Police Scotland on 101, email OperationToner@scotland.police.uk or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.