Residents urged to check phone gallery for missing Mary Monkman

Mary Monkman, co-owner of Lakeland Artisan with her husband Geoff, was last seen in the town on Friday.

The 49-year-old’s car, a red Nissan Juke, was located 130 miles away in Loch Doon in Ayrshire and now police dogs, drones and helicopters have joined in the search to find her.

Her colleagues, as well as her family, have not been able to establish the reason for the disappearance.

Mary's sister-in-law Melanie Denyer said although officers are on the scene in Scotland, Kendal residents could provide vital information for the investigation. 

“One focus of the investigation is trying to find Mary's backpack as it is a very bright, distinctive turquoise backpack,” she said.

“This may have been lost at the Scottish location however there's a possibility that somebody travelling from Kendal to Loch Doon and back again after a trip could have pictures or dash cam footage of Mary or this distinctive backpack."

Melanie, who had travelled to Scotland to aid the search, said Mary is ‘a well-loved and established businesswoman in Kendal'.

She said: "There may be people who are unaware that this has happened so we'd encourage anyone in the town to search their memory from Friday morning onwards and check their camera roll, door cams and dashcam footage.

"It may be a one-in-thousand chance that she or an item of her clothing are spotted in the background but that small chance could lead to a vital piece of information which informs the investigation."

A Facebook post by Lakeland Artisan on Tuesday 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. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support at this time.

"Love from the Lakeland Hampers Family."

Mary is described as around 5ft 10ins with long, wavy auburn hair which she often wears in a bun.

Mary also wears glasses and has been pictured wearing a green and white floral top and blue leggings.

Mary's family is encouraging anyone with valuable information to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 2648 of Saturday, 17 June, 2023.

Melanie added: "The police are doing a fantastic job in Scotland in difficult terrain, and we'd encourage anyone who can help them establish a timeline, which could be someone from Kendal, to come forward."

An email address has also been established for anyone with a sighting or information: findmarymonkman@gmail.com.

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.