'Do not approach': Hunt for convicted murderer after escape from prison

The public are being asked not to approach Raymond McCourt who absconded from HMP Castle Huntly.

Hunt for convicted murderer after escape from HMP Castle Huntly — Hunt: The 59-year-old is said to use public transport and has connections to the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas. Police Scotland

Matthew Fulton

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Police are hunting for a convicted murderer who has absconded from Scotland’s only open prison near Dundee.

Raymond McCourt, a prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly, was reported missing to police around 5.30pm on Tuesday.

The 59-year-old is said to use public transport and has connections to the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas.

The public are being asked not to approach him.

He is described as being 6ft 2in tall, with a stocky build, short grey hair and beard and has reduced mobility.

He was last known to be wearing a long black trench coat, grey dress trousers, a grey waistcoat, blue shirt with a red and white tie and brown shoes.

McCourt was given a life sentence in 1993 for charges including murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery, assault to severe injury and firearms offences.

The then 27-year-old shot a woman and a police officer.

He was deemed suitable for release on licence in 2015, but admitted stealing and selling off valuables within weeks of leaving prison.

Any sightings or information can be passed to officers via 101, quoting reference 2857 of April 22, 2025.

Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “I can confirm this individual is currently unlawfully at large and we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.”