THREE women whose sister disappeared more than 40 years ago say they have been given new hope that her remains will be found.

Mary Duncan was 17 when she went missing from Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire in March 1976. Despite a major police investigation, no trace of the her was ever found.

However, on the eve of what would have been Duncan’s 60th birthday, her sisters, Marion McFarlane, Debbie Rennick and Mandy Duncan told the BBC that police are planning to excavate land in the area.

McFarlane told the broadcaster: “It would be wonderful for us to get her back, especially at this time.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are not in a position to confirm any details. This is still an ongoing inquiry.”