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 being carried out in the Crieff and Comrie areas 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 then 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. This was later verified by police who confirmed the sighting of Mr Cruickshank at 8am on Tuesday, walking southwards past Macrosty Gardens, Crieff.
Police were out in force in the Laggan Road area of Crieff on Friday, conducting door to door 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 over the area, including using dedicated officers, specialist search units, mountain rescue, search dogs and air support.
On Friday, 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.
“However, it gets difficult the longer time goes on.”
She added: “There were a lot of volunteers out looking for Martyn and I know police officers have been knocking on doors in the area. I couldn’t go out on the search, it’s just too difficult for me.”
Neighbouring residents 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 and I didn’t see him that much of him around here. It’s awful that he’s gone missing and all the people that live in this area hope he is found.”
Alison Harris, 61, of Turretbank Drive, said: “It’s awful, we just hope Mr Cruickshank is found.”
Councillor Rhona Brock, an independent representative for the Strathearn ward, said she hoped he is found “safe and well.”
Mr Cruickshank is described as being 5ft 9ins tall, with dark hair and of slim build. He is thought to be wearing a distinctive Helly Hansen ski jacket, a dark hooded top and blue jeans.
Anyone with information should phone 101.
