Glen Croe. Photo: Nigel Swales CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police investigating the murder of a woman are appealing to walkers and cyclists for sightings of a car in the Highlands.

Lothian and Borders Police officers are concentrating their search on a popular area of Argyll around Rest and Be Thankful. They are urging members of the public to come forward with information about missing Edinburgh woman Suzanne Pilley, four weeks after her disappearance.

Officers have set up an incident room, with the co-operation of Strathclyde Police, at Lochgilphead.

They are particularly keen to hear from any walkers or cyclists who saw a silver-coloured family saloon car the day before the general election in Glen Croe and the forests around Rest and Be Thankful, which lies on the A83 between Arrochar and Inveraray. Glen Croe lies west of the Arrochar Alps, the popular peaks which include The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and A’Chrois.

Suzanne Pilley

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Flannigan, who heads the murder investigation, said: “We have been carrying out searches in the Argyll area following an extensive scoping operation.

“What people have to appreciate is that this is a vast area and it is important that we have our officers targeting the right areas in terms of the searches.

“I am extremely grateful to the members of the public who have contacted us with information so far.

“I’m now interested in speaking to anyone who was walking, cycling or working in Glen Croe, which is the forested area adjacent to the Rest and Be Thankful on the A83 specifically on Wednesday 5 May, either between 1pm and 3.30pm, or in the evening between 6pm and 8.30pm.

“If you were within the area on this date between either of these time periods I’d urge you to contact us.

“Wednesday 5 May was the day before the general election, and the day of the last Old Firm game of the season. I’m particularly keen to recover photographs you may have taken within this area.

“The area around Glen Croe Forest, like the nearby Rest and Be Thankful, is a spectacular area for scenery and a well known photo-stop. I’m sure people who may have been in the area will have taken photos and perhaps have not had them developed or downloaded yet. We would ask that they do this as a matter of urgency, and review their pictures for a silver family-size car.

“We are keen to see any photos which contain such a silver car and would ask that they be forwarded to our enquiry team immediately.”

The police said they are keen to provide Suzanne’s parents with answers. DCI Flannigan said: “My officers work closely with Suzanne’s parents and see every day the distress and torment they are going through.

“We want to speak to anyone who may help us provide them with the answers that they are looking for, and we would appeal to those who may have any information to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Police said the search, which began on Sunday 16 May 2010, is based on national advice and guidance on the most appropriate techniques for covering such a vast area of varied terrain.

As a result, a number of specialist dogs have been deployed in areas of specific interest, identified through the inquiry and supported by information from members of the public. These areas extend from Rest and Be Thankful to Glen Orchy.

DCI Flannigan said: “Any information we get from the public regarding this car’s movements is fed straight into our inquiry team.

“We are endeavouring to respond to everyone who has taken the time to contact us as a result of our appeals; the information they provide will be investigated, and we will try in every case, to call the person back to update them on the outcome.

“We are using, and will continue to use, the best national resources available as national consultation is vital in such an unusual and challenging investigation. Suzanne’s family are fully aware of this, and are being kept updated throughout this inquiry.”

Ms Pilley last Suzanne contacted her family at 8.38am on Tuesday 4 May, and has not been seen since.

Walkers and cyclists who have information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DCI Flannigan said anyone with photographs can email them directly to the murder team.