THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence appealed today for people in Scotland to help in the search for his daughter.

Peter Lawrence handed out leaflets at Edinburgh Waverley railway station this morning and spoke to members of the public, seven months after his 35-year-old daughter disappeared.

Miss Lawrence was last seen on March 18 near her home in the Heworth area of York.

Mr Lawrence, who travelled from York to Edinburgh last night, said: "It's been a whole seven months. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions.

"There's no particular connection with Scotland but Claudia could be anywhere.

"Somebody has a piece of information they may not think matters but it could be the piece of the jigsaw that helps police to find Claudia and that's what we need.

"People are still coming forward to police with information even seven months on and we just need people to continue doing that."

Asked whether any fear that his daughter may be harmed had increased over time, Mr Lawrence said: "Until Claudia's found otherwise, I'm convinced that one day she will be found. I hope that day is sooner rather than later.

"My message to people is "Do whatever you can to help us find Claudia. Shes a great big part of our lives that's missing."

Speaking about the reaction of the public today, Mr Lawrence said: "Everybody without exception was very concerned and very supportive and that's been the same wherever I have been.

"Everyone's rooting to find Claudia and that obviously makes me appreciate the support we are getting."

The posters, which have a photo of the missing chef and the words "Missing. Claudia Lawrence. Where are you?," will also be put up around Glasgow Central station, Mr Lawrence said.

Police investigating Miss Lawrence's disappearance have said they are focusing on her relationships with a number of men.

Miss Lawrence, whose mother Joan is from Darlington, was due to walk the three miles to work at York University on March 19 for a 6am shift but never arrived.

She left cards, cash and passport behind but her mobile phone - a silver Samsung D900 - and blue Karrimor rucksack in which she carried her chef's whites are also still missing.

Detectives are convinced Miss Lawrence has been harmed.