Public urged to check gardens and sheds in search for man missing from Balerno for over a week

Members of the public living on the outskirts of Edinburgh are being asked to check gardens, outbuildings and sheds in the search for a man missing for a week.

Martin Moran, 26, has not been seen since leaving Larch Grove House estate in Balerno shortly after 6am on Friday, November 18.

It is believed that Mr Moran then walked in the direction of Bridge Road.

Police are carrying out enquiries in the search for the 26-year-old, with specialist resources deployed in the area around the Water of Leith, which is the route he is believed to have taken.

Mr Moran is described as being white, around 5ft 9in, of slim build, with light brown hair.

When last sighted, he was wearing a beige trench coat – which is described as being very distinctive – with a double row of black buttons on the front.

He was also wearing a matching beige belt, black trousers, black shoes and a black hat.

Chief inspector Mark Hamilton explained that significant resources have been dedicated to the search.

“A week has now passed since Martin was last seen and his family and friends are extremely concerned about him,” he said.

“We have significant resources dedicated to the enquiry in an effort to find Martin and we are urging the public to come forward with any information relating to his whereabouts.

“We are asking members of the public who live in the area around Water of Leith to check gardens, outbuildings and sheds, particularly for this very distinctive coat.

“Searches and activity will continue throughout the local areas.”

CI Hamilton urged anyone who has seen Mr Moran to contact police.

He continued: “The area may have been busy at the time Martin was last seen, with people making their way to work.

“I would ask, if you were in the area at the time, please think back – did you notice anyone matching his description?

“If anyone has seen Martin, or has any information, please contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1479 of Friday, November 18, 2022.