Disappearance of former Fettes College teacher treated as murder

The disappearance of a former Fettes College teacher is being treated as murder.

Dr Peter Coshan went missing from his home in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge at around 11.50pm on Thursday, August 11.

The 75-year-old, who taught biology at the school attended by former prime minister Tony Blair, is presumed dead but his body has not been found.

Two men have been charged in connection with his disappearance from the Seafield Road area.

The pair appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Paul Black, 63, and Paul McNaughton, 27, made no plea to a charge that they murdered Dr Coshan.

Black, who prosecutors say is also known as Joseph Hillary, and his co-accused also made no plea to charges of theft and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Both will appear in court at a later date.

Detective superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.

He said: “Our thoughts are very much with Peter’s family at this difficult time.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace Peter and I would encourage anyone with any information regarding Peter’s disappearance to contact police as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital so please do pass it on to officers.

“We have also set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team.

“You can select to remain anonymous when submitting information.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1745 of August 12, 2022.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.