The family of missing Glenrothes man Allan Bryant have criticised Police Scotland, claiming they have been left in the dark for months over who is leading the investigation into their son’s disappearance.
Allan Bryant Snr, Allan’s dad, claims they have had no contact from officers since the previous lead investigator, DCI Kevin Houliston, told them he was retiring on April 20.
More than three months later, the family still have no idea who, if anyone, is currently leading their son’s case.
“Kevin Houliston said someone would take his place and whoever it was would be in touch with us soon,” Allan Snr told The Courier.
“It’s not taken them three months to fill Kevin Houliston’s job?
“It’s not taken that long to get someone in charge.”
No communication
The only information the Bryants have been told is that the case remains with the Major Investigation Team (MIT).
DS Steven McLean visited with DCI Kevin Houliston on April 20 as a new point of contact, but the Bryant family were told he would not be taking over the case.
That is the last communication the family have had from Police Scotland.
“We thought someone would be put in charge after a couple of weeks,” said Allan Snr.
“We thought we would have heard who has taken over our son’s case.
“We were told that it would stay with MIT because there is so much information.”
This is not the first time the Bryant family have had cause for concern over Police Scotland’s handling of their son’s disappearance from outside Styx nightclub on November 3 2013.
During the course of the ongoing investigation, the Bryant’s have made a number of complaints to the Police Investigations & Review Committee (PIRC) – four of which have been upheld.
‘I just want to know who’s in charge’
Earlier this year, Police Scotland refused to answer 16 detailed questions put to them by The Courier during the making of our documentary A Short Walk Home: The Disappearance of Allan Bryant Jnr.
The latest development has left Allan Snr wondering who is keeping track of his son’s case if any new information comes to light.
“They’re not getting in touch with my family,” he said.
“They said they would come out and visit us.
“I don’t know whose reading any emails coming in.
“I just want to know who’s in charge – it’s the Major Investigations Team, they must have someone.”
The last official sighting of Allan Bryant Jnr is footage from a CCTV camera outside Styx nightclub in Glenrothes on November 3 2013 at around 2.02am.
The nightclub is located less than one mile from his home.
Eight years without answers
In the eight years since his disappearance Police Scotland have confirmed no other sightings of Allan or found any sign as to his movements after that time.
During our documentary investigation, The Courier seen multiple eye-witness statements that placed Allan outside the nightclub after 2.02am.
Other witnesses described two altercations at Styx the night Allan was last seen.
These disturbances are reported to have occurred at around 1.30am and 2.10am.
The witnesses further claim that due to these incidents there was already a noticeable police presence at Styx at the time Allan was last seen.
Police Scotland told The Courier they had given the Bryants “a new point of contact” but refused to say who, if anyone, was running the case.
Detective Superintendent Laura Thomson: “Due to recent changes within the team locally, the family was provided with a new point of contact.
“Extensive inquiries have been carried out over the years and any new piece of information will continue to be thoroughly investigated by officers from the Major Investigation Team.
“Our appeal for new information continues and I would urge anyone who has something which could relate to Allan’s disappearance, no matter how small it might appear to be, to get in touch with us.
“If you can help then please get in touch by calling us on 101 or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
