Plea to help trace missing mother

Mrs Watson does not know Edinburgh

The son of an elderly South African woman who vanished in Edinburgh has issued an appeal to the public to help find her.

Alison Western, 72, was visiting The National Gallery with her son when she disappeared on Monday morning.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said they were becoming increasingly concerned as Mrs Western is in poor health.

She is described as 5ft 7inches, with grey hair and was wearing a green cardigan.

She does not know anyone in area.

Heart condition

Her son William, 34, who has been working as a plumber in Buckinghamshire since 1999, said: "Mum came over for a month's holiday and spent a week on Skye.

"She wanted to see Edinburgh.

"I parked the car at Waverley Station and we arranged to meet up again at the car park at 1.15pm. I last saw her on the steps going onto The Mound near the gallery.

"My mum has a slight heart condition and I am obviously worried."

Mr Watson said he had been looking at CCTV from the gallery and that it was totally out of character for his mother not to turn up after agreeing a meeting place.

"If anyone has seen her please let the police know," he added.

Police in Edinburgh have urged anyone who may have spotted Mrs Western get in to contact.