Body of Scots grandmother 'discovered in Cumbria'

• Elizabeth Brown was last seen on CCTV on a bus in Edinburgh in May last year, and there are fears her skeletal remains have been found in a disused quarry in Cumbria, left Main picture: Alan Simpson

Mrs Brown, 55, was last seen getting off a number three Lothian Bus in Nicolson Street at the end of May last year.

Her disappearance sparked a massive police search, but it is now feared a skeletal body found on Tuesday in Longtown, near Carlisle, could be the missing woman.

It is understood her family has been informed of the discovery, but forensic tests will have to be carried out on the remains before the identity can be confirmed.

Last night, Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Ashton of Cumbria Police said a post mortem examination would be carried out on the remains on Monday which should ascertain the identity of the body and possibly the cause of death.

The post mortem should also allow police to decide whether they should treat Mrs Brown's death as suspicious, police sources said last night.

Mr Ashton said items found on the scene suggested the body might be that of Elizabeth Brown.

"We have been liaising with our colleagues in Lothian and Borders and the relatives will be the first to be informed of all developments," he said.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders said: "Lothian and Borders Police can confirm they are currently liaising with Cumbria Constabulary following the discovery of human remains near Longtown, Carlisle.

"Inquiries are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further until a formal identification of the remains has been made."

Ms Brown, who worked in a care home, had been visiting a relative in Edinburgh's Firrhill Park and was on her way back to her home in Gorgie Road when she disappeared.

Her daughter, Sarah Smith, who lives in Gretna approximately three miles from where Mrs Brown's body was found, said her mother had spoken of money worries, but her family was puzzled by her disappearance and made several emotional appeals for her to get in touch. CCTV footage had been released showing Elizabeth, who was known as "Betty", on a bus.

Police revealed she had visited a cash machine on Nicolson Street. Last summer officers distributed 6,000 leaflets in the area, hoping to jog the memory of anyone who had seen her.

In August, three months after her disappearance, her daughter said she hoped her mother would return in time for the birth of her third child, which was expected in November.

The 23-year-old, said: "If you are out there mum, just phone somebody. Come back. Let us know you are safe and well."

She later added: "My mum has always been there. She was there for me all the time when I had my first child and she was there all the time I had my second child. It will be hard if she is not here for the third."

On what would have been Mrs Brown's 56th birthday in November her family made a fresh appeal.

Sister Maureen McLaughlin said: "Everyone misses her, and we are desperate for any news that can help put our minds at rest. If anyone has any information that can help, then please get in touch with police.

"Betty, if you are reading this, we want to wish you a happy birthday, and let you know that we still miss you so much."