Daughter’s frantic plea for help tracing missing mum

Heather McKay was last seen in Dechmont, Broxburn, five days ago, with her disappearance described as completely out of character.

Volunteers joined a search party which combed Dechmont on Sunday afternoon following an appeal for information as to her whereabouts.

It is understood Ms McKay had been staying with a friend in Dechmont, who was the last person to see her at 7.30am on Friday.

Another friend called at the address at around 8.30am. However, Ms McKay was not there and has not been seen since.

Police are now growing increasingly concerned for Ms McKay’s welfare and are appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information.

An appeal for information on Heather’s whereabouts was posted on Facebook on Saturday by her daughter Andrea Waddell, who said: “We’ve exhausted every avenue and as you can imagine, after 36 hours are extremely concerned.”

A flood of messages of support were left on the site, including “Hope and pray this story has a happy ending” and “Can every person who sees this message share it – the more who see it the more chance of finding this poor girl’s mum.”

Many posters had also offered their help in trying to trace Ms McKay.

Ms McKay is described as around 5ft 7in tall, medium build with hazel/green eyes and brown hair.

She speaks with a Scottish accent and has a small burn mark on her forearm and a small tattoo on her right shoulder.

She may be wearing a light blue Berghaus rain jacket, jeans and a pair of brown Hi-Tec walking boots.

Ms McKay is not believed to have been carrying a mobile phone with her at the time of her disappearance.

A police spokesman said: “Ms McKay is an independent and outgoing person with a wide circle of friends and a close family, and it is completely out of character for her to go missing.

“We have conducted a number of inquiries to trace her whereabouts, however, none of these have brought us any closer to finding her.

“We’re now appealing for members of the public who recognise her description or who may have seen her over the weekend to come forward and let us know immediately.

“Over the weekend members of the community have been instrumental in helping us raise awareness of Heather’s disappearance, and we are grateful for their assistance.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 0131-311 3131.