Family of missing mum Heather McKay go online

Heather McKay, 51, from Dechmont, in West Lothian, vanished on the morning of Friday, 24 August, in a move which has been  described as “entirely out of character”.

Since then, her children Andrea and Kevin Waddell have led the search for her, putting up posters, taking part in a police appeal and now focusing online.

The hashtag #findheather was trending on Twitter yesterday, and a Heather McKay Missing Person page has been set up on Facebook. Andrea, 24, said: “We’re trying to get the word out on Twitter and there’s the missing page on Facebook.

“There are about 7,150 people who have ‘liked’ the page and we are trying to update people on that.”

Andrea, a beautician from Uphall, broke down  in tears while making an emotional appeal on Friday in which she pleaded: “Mum, I love you. I miss you. I need you here.”

The message on the Facebook page reads: “Heather is still missing. We are  living through what has to be everyone’s worst nightmare. The police are doing a fantastic job in trying to find Heather, but we need everyone’s help.

“I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the  incredible support we have received from the local community – heartfelt thanks from Heather’s  family. Please tell as many people as possible.

“The more people who recognise Heather’s face, the more chance we have  of finding her. We love our sister, daughter, mother and friend so much and we want her home with us. Please keep Heather in your thoughts and prayers.”

Police said inquiries were continuing yesterday, but  it was too early to say  what impact Friday’s press conference has had.

It is understood McKay had been staying with a friend in Dechmont who was the last person to see her at 7.30am on 24 August. Another friend called at the address at around 8.30am that morning, but McKay was not there and has not been seen since.