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Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Bookkeeper's killer might never share darkest secret after umbrella clue emerges
The loved ones of murdered Suzanne Pilley remain in a state of 'limbo' without a body to lay to rest, while her callous killer, David Gilroy, appears intent on taking the location to his own grave, in what is believed to be a disturbing bid for 'power' Edinburgh bookkeeper Suzanne Pilley vanished on the morning of May 4, 2010, never to be seen again. And even though her killer has since been caught, her family have never been able to lay her to rest. After she failed to turn up for work after the bank holiday weekend, a move said to be out of character for the 38-year-old, Suzanne's worried parents, Sylvia and Rob, raised the alarm. An investigation ensued, leading police to the door of Suzanne's colleague and former lover, David Gilroy, who was arrested and charged with her murder. Gilroy, now 62, was convicted of Suzanne's murder by "unknown means" in 2012, with the High Court in Edinburgh hearing how the married father-of-two had become infuriated after she'd ended their"turbulent" relationship. Although he'd returned to his wife after the split, Gilroy continued to harass Suzanne, bombarding her with hundreds of messages and even tampering with her email. Then, he responded with unthinkable violence, slaughtering Suzanne in the basement garage of the office block where they'd worked together in the city centre. He then concealed her remains in an alcove while he fetched his car. Callous Gilroy proceeded with a number of seemingly ordinary appointments while her body was stuffed in the boot of his car. He even attended a school play and enjoyed a family dinner out. From this point on, what happened to Suzanne's body remains a mystery, and one that evil Gilroy appears intent on taking to his grave. It's believed that Suzanne's body was buried in a "lonely grave" in rural Argyll, with cold-hearted Gilroy having made the drive to the small, historic town of Lochgilphead Edinburgh CID's investigation focused on the Rest and Be Thankful and Argyll Forrest, where it is suspected Suzanne's body was abandoned. However, despite extensive searching, nothing has ever been found, and her family have been left without a grave to visit. Gilroy, who is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years, continues to plead his innocence to this day, much to the heartache of her loved ones, who long for "a sense of closure". Speaking after Gilroy's conviction, Sylvia and Robert issued the following emotional statement: "Although the trial has ended, our ordeal goes on, and we hope that one day we can lay our daughter to rest." However, during a 2019 interview on the podcast Body of Proof, Gilroy made it clear that he wouldn't be giving up his secrets, declaring that he would "fight until [his] dying breath' to prove his innocence. The killer, who has previously lost freedom bids at Edinburgh's Court of Appeal and London's Supreme Court, claimed: 'I think I've been denied justice. I do believe that I have more than enough to prove my innocence beyond any doubt.' Although the evidence against Gilroy was entirely circumstantial, each strand resulted in a "compelling" case against him. From the dirt and vegetation on his tyres, to the scratches on his hands he'd tried to hide with make-up, jurors weren't taken in by Gilroy's lies. And there is one piece of evidence that proved particularly convincing. Officers tracked Gilroy's journey to Argyll through CCTV and spotted an umbrella on the parcel shelf in the car boot. During his return journey, the umbrella was no longer visible, and it's theorised that he placed the item in the boot once he'd disposed of Suzanne's remains. Explaining why Gilroy will likely never reveal where Suzanne's body lies, Nicole Nyamwiza, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at The University of Law, Nicole Nyamwiza, told The Sun: "Refusing to reveal the location of a body is a pattern we've seen in several high-profile cases. It's often about control. "Even after conviction, the offender can still dictate the terms of closure. In the case of David Gilroy, the continued silence keeps the family in a state of suspended grief, and that in itself is a form of harm. This is not unique. "Ian Simms, who was convicted of murdering Helen McCourt in 1988, never revealed where he left her body. That refusal went on for decades. Despite forensic evidence, despite a conviction, he held on to that final piece of power. "For some individuals, particularly those with controlling or narcissistic tendencies, keeping that information back is deliberate. It sustains attention, preserves denial, or simply continues the exercise of control." Having never given up hope of locating Suzanne's body, her brave family has continued to persevere all these years, even launching Suzanne's Law in her name to stop killers who refuse to disclose where a victim's body is located from being granted parole. Reflecting on this "important step", Nicole continued: "There is also a wider issue here about what justice really means. If someone can serve a sentence without ever disclosing what happened to a victim's remains, we have to question how we assess accountability or rehabilitation. "Proposals like Suzanne's Law are an important step. They recognise that justice involves more than time served. For many families, justice starts with being able to bring their loved one home." Back in May 2020, on the tenth anniversary of Suzanne's death, Police Scotland renewed its commitment to finding her body, issuing a fresh appeal for information. Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, said: "I am entirely confident that justice was served in terms of Suzanne's murder. However, it is deeply regrettable that, as of now, we have been unable to recover her body and bring a sense of closure to her family. "We will continue to revisit this investigation and conduct fresh search activity in the Argyll Forest area whenever we receive new information from the public. So, with that in mind, I'd urge anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but who hasn't yet spoken with police, to contact us immediately." "Sadly, Suzanne's father, Rob, passed away in February 2019 without ever knowing what happened to his daughter. We remain committed to finding these answers for Suzanne's mother, Sylvia and sister, Gail." Meanwhile, heartbroken sister Gail Fairgrieve, stated: "For the past decade we have lived in a state of limbo, waiting for the news that Suzanne's body had been found, but we've never been able to get that closure. "We accept that Suzanne was murdered and believe that the person responsible is in prison, but we feel we cannot say a proper goodbye until her body is found. "Both my mother and I want to again thank the public who have continued to contact the police, which has always given us hope that Suzanne has not been forgotten. We understand that only one person can tell us where Suzanne is, but has refused to do so. Police Scotland will respond to any information and are committed to bringing us some form of closure. "Their investigation can only conclude when Suzanne is found, and so I would plead with anyone who knows something but hasn't come forward to search their conscience and get in touch. Not for our sake, but for Suzanne's. Please let us give her the burial and send-off she deserves." Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Daily Record
Remote Scots village only accessible by single-track road looks like it belongs in the Alps
Surrounded by mountains and overlooking a shimmering sea loch, Lochgoilhead is among Scotland's most picturesque villages With summer making an early appearance, many across the country have been taking to the roads to discover or rediscover the best destinations Scotland has to offer. Often, its beaches are likened to the Caribbean or Mediterranean, while its glistening lochs rival Italy's famed lakes. On a recent journey, however, one explorer found somewhere that evokes the distinct impression of a village nestled in the Swiss Alps. That place is Lochgoilhead, and its 'Alpine' feel is no accident, surrounded as it is by the Arrochar Alps. This range of hills dramatically skirts the heads of Loch Fyne, Loch Long, and Loch Goil. Lochgoilhead itself sits, fittingly, at the head of Loch Goil, located within the peaceful Cowal Peninsula and part of the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scottish Daily Express reports. Despite its seemingly remote appearance and being just 50 miles from the bustle of Glasgow, accessing Lochgoilhead means travelling predominantly on a single track road. The journey often begins from the simply awe inspiring Rest and Be Thankful, where the B828 leaves the A83. It then winds its way through the landscape, following the course of the River Goil, eventually joining the B839, which comes from the A815 Dunoon road further west, to take the driver into the village. The village normally has a population of around 400, a number that swells considerably in summer due to the holiday park located there. The caravans are set on a slope, enhancing the visual impression of tiny Swiss chalets dotted across a mountainside. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Argyll and Bute hills rising majestically above the sea loch, which is connected to Loch Long. Historically, Lochgoilhead was once a convenient stopping point on the route between Glasgow and Inveraray. In Victorian times, Glasgow's rich elite would frequent the village during summer, seeking escape from the city's less salubrious air. Today, it remains a popular destination, particularly with outdoor sports enthusiasts and families staying at the Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village. The estate offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, restaurants, its own 9 hole golf course, and other amenities. For food and drink, the lochside cafe The Boat Shed is hugely popular, particularly with social media users keen to share their picturesque stop, though parking is limited and it can get very busy, especially if you are just passing through. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The Goil Inn also provides a welcoming place to enjoy some food and a well earned pint while overlooking the tranquil loch. Local amenities include a Post Office and general store, but be warned, it only accepts cash. The area surrounding Lochgoilhead is a true haven for nature lovers. Animal enthusiasts have the chance to spot red squirrels, pine martens, otters, red deer, and badgers on land, while the loch itself is home to seals and porpoises. Looking upwards, you might even spot a buzzard or an eagle soaring high above. Lochgoilhead even boasts a modest place in film history, with parts of the classic James Bond outing From Russia With Love having been filmed there. The drive from Glasgow city centre typically takes around 80 minutes, making this Alpine like escape closer than you might think.
The Guardian
02-03-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
A gorgeous flash of colour in a murky loch: how nudibranchs won my heart
It has been a long time since I've thought about nudibranchs, let alone spotted one. But a lifetime ago, as a zoology undergraduate at Glasgow University, I spent hours underwater, swimming through kelp forests, corals and shipwrecks, looking out for the tiny, colourful creatures. Diving on the west coast of Scotland is spectacular for all the reasons you might expect: the drama of the islands, bays and meandering sea lochs against the mountains, the rugged rocky shores, the awe-inspiring wildness. I still remember the excitement of diving trips, in a van full of air tanks and weight belts. From the bustle of Great Western Road, past Dumbarton, up the A82 as it hugs the side of Loch Lomond and on, to Gareloch or Loch Long or further afield, left at Arrochar , through the Rest and Be Thankful, to Loch Fyne. Underwater, the lochs are full of beauty, with bright corals, dead-man's fingers, sea pens and queen scallops dancing along the sea floor, spiny lobsters and spider crabs. In atrocious weather, however, a common occurrence, a choppy loch presents a visibility challenge. Dark skies flatten the colours of the corals and kelp to various shades of brown. So when, tutored in what to look for by a fellow diver and marine biologist, I spotted my first nudibranch, or sea slug, I was delighted – charmed, even. It was tiny, barely 2cm long, but presented a gorgeous splash of white and orange against a brown seascape, a frondy-gilled thing with almost fluorescent spots, grazing on seaweed. So far removed from its slimy, creepy, land-based cousin and so pretty, like a sea jewel. The biologist was writing a PhD on nudibranchs and, for a summer, we divers were his willing pupils, happily embracing his project, which felt like searching for brightly coloured, underwater butterflies or flowers. They are shell-less molluscs, their name means 'naked gills', referring to the breathing apparatus outside their bodies. Mostly carnivores, they feed on seaweed, sponges, jellyfish, anemones and other nudibranchs. Most are minuscule, between 1cm and 6cm long, but many are vibrantly hued, from bright purple and blues to orange, and really stand out. My favourites were almost translucent, with elongated cerata, tentacle-like growths tipped with bright orange. When a nudibranch eats the tentacles of a jellyfish or other stinging animal, the venom-filled stinging cells pass through the cerata, or growths, which it then uses against predators. That summer, we would fling ourselves backwards off small inflatables into the deep water below to reach inaccessible reefs, or kit up in wetsuits in rain-lashed shores on dives in search of them. We found nine species in all and were rewarded by being named in a study published by the zoology department: A Divers' Guide to the Marine Fauna of the Clyde Region. I don't know how their populations are faring amid the climate and biodiversity crisis, but for me, they conjure up the joy of the subsea world. The Guardian is asking readers to nominate species for the second annual invertebrate of the year competition. Read more about it and make your suggestions here or via the form below. You can tell us which species you would like to nominate by filling in the form below. Please include as much detail as possible. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
