Cops probing the disappearance of Scots teenager Mary Duncan, are to dig up the grounds of a West Dunbartonshire hospital.
Mary was 17-years-old when she vanished with no trace from her Alexandria home in 1976 leaving her baby daughter behind.
Now searches at two sites at Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria, will begin today and continue for a number of weeks.
Mary had a baby daughter, Laura, who sadly fell ill and died.
In January 2019, police dug up land in Alexandria and in April last year so this is the latest development in the cold case.
Detective Superintendent Calum Young from West Dunbartonshire CID said: “Mary left her home at 17 years of age, with no money and has never claimed benefits, paid tax or national insurance.
"She also left behind her baby girl Laura, who family say she absolutely adored.
“Extensive enquiries continue in an attempt to find any indication of where Mary could be, however due to the fact that she has not been seen or heard from in 42-years, we must consider the option that she may have come to harm.
“Specialist officers will be searching a number of locations at the Vale of Leven Hospital in connection with the investigation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public and the media that this is still a functioning hospital and disruption must be kept to an absolute minimum. It is also vital that the search team are left to get on with this important work and any updates will be provided in due course.”
Mary's disappearance has become one of Scotland's most notorious cold cases.
Marie Farrell, Director of Clyde Sector, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We have been working with Police Scotland on the planned excavation of a number of sites in the grounds of the Vale of Leven hospital. We would like to reassure patients that there will be no disruption to patient care as a consequence of these enquiries.”
