A convicted killer is still on the run after absconding from Castle Huntly, near Dundee.
Brian Barry McGowan was due to return to the open prison on Sunday but failed to show up following a period of home leave.
The 36-year-old prisoner, who had been granted temporary release to Callander, was sentenced to life behind bars at Stirling High Court in 1994. He was found guilty of murdering 56-year-old Andrew Robertson in St Ninians, Stirling, on August 5, 1994. He was transferred to Castle Huntly two months ago.
A spokesman for Tayside Police said they were appealing for information that could help trace the inmate’s whereabouts.
“It is understood he has friends and associates in the Stirling area as well as in Edinburgh,” he said. “Brian Barry McGowan was scheduled to be back at the open prison on Sunday, July 17, but failed to return. We are carrying out inquiries in association with other forces to try and track him and return him to custody.”
McGowan, who is not thought to be dangerous, is described as 5ft 4in, of medium build, with short brown hair and blue eyes.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said, “If someone is assessed and allowed home then they are considered low risk.”
Castle Huntly, part of the open estate in Tayside along with Noranside in Angus, has been dogged by criticism following absconding cases in recent years. There were concerns over the assessment of inmates for suitability to transfer to open conditions. That process was tightened up after a prisoner was convicted of raping a schoolgirl after going on the run from Castle Huntly.
Anyone who has seen McGowan or knows where he is now should contact police immediately on 0300 111 2222 or speak to any officer.