Colleagues of missing Cumbrian woman Mary Monkman post desperate plea

Lakeland Artisan took to its Facebook page today (June 20) to urge people to share a police appeal after her car was recovered.

The 49-year-old is co-owner and accountant of the business as well as a mother of three children.

She was reported missing from Kendal and was last seen at around 7am on Friday in the town. She travelled in her red Nissan Juke, registration L400 MGM, to the west bank of Loch Doon in Ayrshire.

The Facebook post said: "Mary has now been missing for four days, we are desperate to have her back with her husband, children and family.

"Mary travelled alone in her red Nissan Juke from Cumbria to Loch Doon in Ayrshire, Scotland on Friday afternoon and her car has now been found and retrieved. We have search teams, police dogs, drones and helicopters searching the area and we are desperately trying to get in contact with her.

"Please read the attached article and share this post with as many people as you can. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support at this time.

"Love from the Lakeland Hampers Family."

The police appeal describes Mary as around 5ft 10ins with long, wavy auburn hair which she often wears in a bun and also wears glasses.

Chief Inspector Alison Wilson of Police Scotland said: “Mary has not been reported missing before and concerns are growing for her welfare.

“I am asking anyone who has seen Mary or might know where she is to get in touch. If Mary hears about this appeal then I would encourage her to contact us or her family so we know she is safe and well.

“We believe that Mary drove past the Roundhouse Café at the north end of the loch and south past Loch Doon Castle. I would ask anyone who was in the area in recent days to check their dash-cam. Likewise, anyone walking in the area and who may have seen Mary should make contact with us.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 2648 of Saturday, 17 June, 2023.