Hunt for teenager missing for 43 years
By Democrat reporter
A house is being searched by police in West Dunbartonshire in connection with the disappearance of a teenager 43 years ago, BBC Scotland is reporting tonight.
Mary Duncan, pictured right, who was 17, went missing from her home in Third Avenue, Bonhill, on 19 March, 1976.
Despite an extensive investigation, no trace of the young mother was found.
On Wednesday, forensic officers began searching a property in Bonhill, approximately half a mile away from where Mary had lived.
The teenager vanished after telling her family she was going to meet a friend.
In January, Mary’s sisters told the BBC that detectives were planning to excavate land in their search.
That land was believed to be in the grounds of Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria.
At the time, Marion McFarlane said: “It would be wonderful for us to get her back, especially at this time.
“That’s a whole generation that is missing from our family. Our grandkids are growing up, and every time we have a birthday or anniversary we are reminded Mary’s not here, and her kids and grandkids are not here.”
Her other sister, Debbie Rennick, added: “Cases go cold and there’s not much you can do about it. But I feel that since the middle of last year, things are moving forward and I have more confidence that it is being investigated thoroughly.
“Over the years we’ve come to realise she is no longer alive. But this investigation gaining momentum has given us hope that we might get some kind of resolution.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police are currently searching an address in Ladyton, Bonhill, Alexandria, as part of an ongoing investigation.”