Fears for house arrest Scot

Lesley McCulloch's parents are becoming more worried

A Scots academic being held in Indonesia has spoken to her parents for the first time since her arrest.

Lesley McCulloch, from Dunoon, and American nurse Joy Lee Sadler have been held since 11 September over the alleged misuse of tourist visas.

Indonesian Police want to put the pair on trial, and if convicted they could face up to five years in jail.

The women's lawyer has claimed that the pair have been abused by security forces since their arrest.

I can't get anyone in the Foreign Office or the Government to take on board that she really is at risk now

Mattie McCulloch

Ms McCulloch's parents, who still live in Dunoon, said she had travelled to Aceh to research a book on the conflict there, where rebels are agitating for an independent state.

The authorities are considering what action to take after the women signed police statements.

However, the women allege their words had been twisted and answers fabricated.

Ms McCulloch's mother, Mattie, said she was extremely worried about her daughter's welfare.

Video footage

She told BBC Radio Scotland: "We just don't know what's happening and I can't get anyone in the Foreign Office or the government to take on board that she really is at risk now.

"We've contacted so many people and we think, 'where do we go next'."

The women had previously complained to consular officials that they had been beaten and deprived of sleep during their incarceration.

Police said they found photographs and video footage of the separatist rebel movement in the women's bags, as well as a laptop and documents.