Park search for missing Betty

Police searched the area

Specialist officers searched around Duddingston Loch in Holyrood Park where she was known to be a walker, two-and-a-half months after the 55-year-old's disappearance.

It is understood a police marine unit will be drafted in to search the loch itself next week as police renewed appeals for information. A police spokesman has stressed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the case and the investigation remains a missing persons inquiry.

Ms Brown was last seen on CCTV getting off a number 3 LRT bus in Nicolson Street at about 11.55am on May 28 and was reported missing after failing to return to work following a week's holiday.

A spokesman said: "Specialist search teams were in the area of Duddingston Loch, carrying out searches in relation to the missing woman Betty Brown. We have been made aware that Betty enjoyed walking in the area of Duddingston Loch, and we would be keen to speak to anyone who thinks that they may have seen her walking there in the past."

Ms Brown, or Hunt, was last seen wearing a black jacket, open neck blouse, blue jeans and black shoes, and was carrying two large Aldi carrier bags. She is described as around 5ft 7ins, with fair hair, and glasses.

Originally from Hawick, police believe she may have travelled to her hometown from Nicolson Street but sources say her disappearance is out of character. Since she went missing her bank cards have been unused and mobile phone switched off.

In an earlier interview, her sister Maureen McLaughlin described the family's wait for news as a "living nightmare".

She said her sister had failed to get in touch for her granddaughter's fifth birthday and her daughter's second wedding anniversary.

Police officers have searched for witnesses in the area where she was last sighted and leaflet dropped 6000 homes appealing for information.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131.