David Gilroy has been convicted of the murder of Suzanne Pilley at Edinburgh High Court this morning.
Gilroy was charged with the murder of his former lover and workmate whose body and personal possessions have not ever been found.
Both worked at an office in Thistle Street in the city centre.
The jury has been out for three days deliberating on its decision which was returned this morning.
Detective Superintendent Gary Flannigan said: “The investigation into the murder of Suzanne Pilley has been groundbreaking and in many respects unique for Lothian and Borders Police.
“From the outset we faced significant challenges; a routine missing person inquiry very quickly transformed into a murder investigation that relied heavily on information from the public.
“It was thoroughly supported by Suzanne’s family, friends and work colleagues who did all they could to assist the investigation at what must have been a terrible time for them.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to commend Suzanne’s family for their strength in conducting themselves with dignity throughout the course of the lengthy inquiry and for them a harrowing trial.
“It is also important to acknowledge the support given to my investigation team by Suzanne’s employers and workmates at IML. They had to deal with the loss of a colleague while their workplace was the focus of a police investigation in the glare of the media spotlight. And then, of course, they had to cope with the news that another work colleague was the murder suspect, all the while continuing to run their business.
“The early involvement of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was invaluable in such a complex investigation, and today’s guilty verdict underlines the success of our relationship.
“Finally, today’s verdict does not end the torment for Suzanne’s family. I have given Rob, Sylvia and Gail our assurance that we will continue to pursue any new information which comes to light which could help recover Suzanne.
“Our thoughts are very much with Suzanne’s family at this time.”
In a statement, Suzanne’s parents Rob and Sylvia said: “This day has been a long time coming but finally Suzanne has received the justice she deserved.
“As a family we continue to struggle to come to terms with losing her: we have lost our daughter but her memory lives on in everyone who knew her.
“Suzanne was a devoted daughter, a supportive friend and an exemplary colleague at work. She was a proud Scot who led a full and active life, and enjoyed the great outdoors, always walking, cycling and keeping fit.
“We have been met with nothing but kindness from her many friends during this time of great sorrow.
“We would like to express our gratitude to every police officer involved in the investigation and to Alex Prentice and his team for their efforts in bringing this case to a conclusion today.
“Although the trial has ended, our ordeal goes on, and we hope that one day we can lay our daughter to rest.”
