DNA taken from the collar of a dog found with fresh blood on its coat is not that of an missing American tourist, police have confirmed.
Scientists testing the animal’s collar and blanket said the DNA was “possibly” human but was not that of Susan McLean.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “As part of enquiries to trace missing Susan McLean, Police Scotland can confirm that forensic examination of items reported to have blood staining on has been completed.
“The information about the items, a dog collar and blanket, were reported to Police Scotland on Thursday July 23.
“Forensic examination of the dog collar and blanket have conclusively confirmed that there is no link to Susan McLean.
“Our enquiries to trace Susan McLean remain ongoing and we continue to encourage anyone who has information to contact Police Scotland.”
The dog’s owner reported that her pet’s head and paws were stained with blood following a walk on the Loch Hoil trail on the outskirts of Aberfeldy in Perthshire on May 18.
Officers were unable to obtain a DNA sample from a lip balm found by the dog walker on the same date.
Despite searching the area where the dog had been, detectives only attended to collect the collar and blanket on July 23.
Susan was last seen at 7.45pm outside the Moness Resort on May 17, though police investigated a possible sighting made by a driver on the Crieff road later that evening.
For the full story and exclusive reaction, see Thursday’s Courier.