Lisa Cairns: Family in desperate plea after vulnerable Scottish woman disappears in Italy

The family of a vulnerable woman from Dundee have made a desperate plea after she went missing in Italy while on holiday.

Lisa Cairns, 44, has not been seen since she fled her accommodation in Naples’ Palazzo Mastelloni at 8am on Tuesday, June 27.

She is 5ft tall, with short, brown hair. When last seen, she was wearing a blue top, with green trousers and blue trainers.

Ms Cairns has bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and suffers from hallucinations – she left without her medication, money, or any other belongings.

She was visiting Naples with her mother, stepfather and sister. They were meant to travel back to Scotland on Wednesday.

Stepdad Vivian Jenkins told STV News the family were “distraught” at her disappearance, and have been out looking for her non-stop.

Lisa Cairns (right) was last seen wearing a blue top, green trousers and blue trainers.

“She’s never done something like this before, especially in a foreign country – we’ve been on holiday with her before, and nothing like this has ever happened,” he said.

“Lisa wanted to go for a walk, so her sister went to the bathroom before they left together.

“When she came out a few minutes later, Lisa had ran out of the flat and onto the lift – her sister ran after her, but she vanished.

“The doorman of the building said he had seen Lisa running out and down the street.

“Now, two full days without water or her medication, god knows what state she’ll be in. She has absolutely nothing.”

Mr Jenkins added that he and Ms Cairns’ mother, Flo Jenkins, plan to stay in Italy for “as long as it takes” to find her.

“There is no doubt about it. We will stay for as long as it takes, especially with all the authorities and missing persons charities that are looking for her.

“We just want her safe and back with us.”

An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has been reported missing in Italy, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Help and support is available now if you need it. The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here.