MURDER investigators are preparing to search land near Dunoon for the remains of a Glasgow woman who was killed in 2011.

Officers are carrying out a detailed assessment of the remote area in Argyll.

The assessment work is being carried out, prior to potential search work being undertaken to establish if Lynda Spence's remains are within the area.

In 2013, Colin Coates and Philip Wade were sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murdering the businesswoman at a house in West Kilbride, Ayrshire.

She had been forced into a car at Broomhill Path, in Glasgow's West End.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how she was then taped to a chair and subjected to violence during which she was burned with an iron, struck with a golf club and had her thumb cut off.

Her body has never been recovered.

Detective Superintendent Suzanne Chow, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “This detailed work, involves Police Scotland detectives, local policing officers and specialist search teams, supported by forensic scientists and experts from across the United Kingdom.

“The operation is expected to take some considerable time due to the nature of the ground and remote location.

“Lynda’s family have been informed of this development and officers are supporting them during this difficult time. We will keep them updated as the work continues.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area as this operation continues and I would like to thank the local community for their co-operation at this time.

“I would ask anyone with information to please come forward and speak to officers.”