'Unanswered questions' three years after cyclist last seen

The family of a missing cyclist last seen in 2017 say they have “many unanswered questions” as they issued a fresh appeal to find him.

Tony Parson travelled from Tillicoultry to Fort William for a charity cycle on September 29, 2017, but failed to return home as planned three days later.

The last sighting of the 66 year old was outside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel at around 11.30pm on Monday, October 2.

He is known to have travelled south on the A82 towards Tyndrum but neither he or his bike have been seen since.

Three years on, Tony’s son Mike Parson has now released a statement on behalf of the family.

It said: “None of us ever dreamt that three years ago my dad would have gone on his charity bike ride and we would never see him again.

“As a result my family and I have been left with so many unanswered questions that we have to live with every single day about where he is.

“As each special family occasion passes and seeing his grandchildren growing up without their grandad, it reminds us of the harsh reality of him not being here.

“I would ask that if you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the police as it may help to provide us the help and answers we’re looking for.”

Extensive police searches were carried out, but the investigation is ongoing.

Detective Inspector David Macgregor said: “Tony’s family has now endured three years of not knowing where he is or what might have happened to him.

“Our thoughts are very much with them and remain entirely commited to providing them with the answers they seek.

“We want to people to be aware that Tony is still missing. If you have any information at all, no matter how small it seems, then please come forward.

“We have never found Tony’s bicycle which has a yellow frame and black handlebars. If you think you may have seen this bicycle or any pieces of cycling equipment somewhere out of place then please get in touch as a matter of urgency.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted our enquiries so far and again urge anyone who may be able to help to come forward.”

Tony is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build, with short greying hair, a moustache and glasses.

He has a tattoo of an anchor on his upper right arm and a tattoo of an eagle on his left.

He was last seen wearing a red waterproof jacket, a blue long-sleeved cycling top, a high-vis vest, fingerless gloves, with beige combat trousers and walking boots.

He was also wearing a silver and grey cycling helmet, carrying a silver and blue rucksack and riding a yellow-framed bike with black handlebars.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland via 101.