THE son of missing Tillicoultry man Tony Parsons has made a public TV appeal in the hopes of uncovering the truth behind the heart-wrenching disappearance.

Mike Parsons opened up for the first time since his dad was reported missing back in September 2017.

He spoke to the nation on the BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow this morning (Wednesday, March 20) and explained how anxious his family is for answers.

Tony, 64, was last seen on the night of September 29, 2017, disappearing somewhere between Bridge of Orchy and Tyndrum.

Mike told TV presenter Rav Wilding: “We are just looking to try and get him home; to find out what happened that night; where has he been.

“We don’t have these answers and without them, we can’t move on. We can’t potentially grieve; say our final respects and final goodbyes.”

Mike also revealed that Tony, a former Royal Navy submariner, had survived prostate cancer and started taking part in charitable events as a way of giving back following the support he had received.

It was, therefore, no surprise that Tony, who was described as a “very, very strong-willed and determined individual” by his son, would set his sights on a 100-mile bike ride from Fort William back to the Wee County, having completed charity hikes to Hadrian’s Wall and along the West Highland Way.

Mike added: “When he decided he wanted to do this particular cycle ride it didn’t come as a shock to anybody.

“It was just more of a shock to us that it would be the last time we get to speak to him or see him.”

In the BBC studio, Mike was supported by Chief Inspector Drew Sinclair, local area commander for Clackmannanshire.

The Wee County Police Scotland chief had been appealing for information since week one.

He said: “[It's] still a missing person inquiry we have at the moment and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen Tony, his clothing or his bright yellow bike after the Bridge of Orchy to come forward.”

Tony is described as white, 5ft 9in tall and of a stocky build.

When last seen he had short greying hair, a moustache and was wearing glasses.

He also has a tattoo of an anchor on his upper right arm and a tattoo of an eagle on his left.

Tony was wearing a red waterproof jacket, a blue long-sleeved cycling top, a high-visibility vest, fingerless gloves, beige combat trousers and walking boots.

He was also wearing a silver and grey cycling helmet, a silver and blue rucksack and was riding his bike, which has a yellow frame with black handlebars.

On Friday, September 29, 2017 Tony travelled to Fort William by train from Alloa, arriving at around 4.10pm to begin his cycle journey back to the Wee County southbound on the A82.

He was seen passing Claymore Filling Station at Glencoe Village shortly after 6pm.

The last confirmed sighting of Tony was at 11.30pm the same night, outside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.

From there he left on his bike, continuing south towards Tyndrum.

He has not been seen since and his bike was never found either.

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0559 of 2nd October 2017.