A huge search has been launched in Scotland for a missing Kendal businesswoman, last seen on Friday.
Mary Monkman, 49, a mother-of-three, travelled to Loch Doon in Ayrshire in her Nissan Juke.
She was last seen in Kendal at around 7am on Friday.
Mrs Monkman is co-owner of Lakeland Artisan with her husband Geoff and the firm, which has shops across the county, has posted a desperate plea for her return on its Facebook page.
It said: “Our beloved Mary Monkman is the co-owner of our business as well as the accountant and all-round wonderful person and mother to her three children.
“Mary has now been missing for four days, we are desperate to have her back with her husband, children and family.
“Her car has now been found and retrieved. We have search teams, police dogs, drones and helicopters searching the area and we are desperately trying to get in contact with her.”
Mrs Monkman is described as around 5ft 10in with long, wavy auburn hair which she often wears in a bun. She also wears glasses.
She is wearing a green and white floral top and blue leggings.
hief Inspector Alison Wilson, of Police Scotland, said: “Mary has not been reported missing before and concerns are growing for her welfare.
“I am asking anyone who has seen Mary or might know where she is to get in touch. If Mary hears about this appeal then I would encourage her to contact us or her family so we know she is safe and well.
“We believe that Mary drove past the Roundhouse Café at the north end of the loch and south past Loch Doon Castle.
“I would ask anyone who was in the area in recent days to check their dashcam. Likewise, anyone walking in the area and who may have seen Mary should make contact with us.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 2648 of Saturday, 17 June, 2023.
