Alice Bryne's Story

Who Was Alice Byrne?

Alice Byrne was a 28-year-old woman from the Portobello area of Edinburgh. She disappeared on 1 January 2022 (New Year's Day) after leaving a friend's flat in Marlborough Street, Portobello.

Timeline

Early Morning – 1 January 2022

Police established that Alice left a friend's flat on Marlborough Street between approximately 8am and 10am. She was seen walking toward Portobello Promenade and the beach.

Following her disappearance:

• Police conducted extensive CCTV reviews.

• Officers carried out house-to-house enquiries.

• Search teams examined the Portobello area.

• Appeals generated widespread public support throughout Edinburgh.

The Critical Police Finding

Several weeks into the investigation, Police Scotland released an important update.

They stated that their enquiries indicated:

Alice entered the water alone on the morning she disappeared.

This conclusion appears to have been based on CCTV analysis and investigative work, although police never publicly released all of the evidence behind that determination.

Unlike cases such as Allan Bryant or Kyle Vaughan:

• Police did not publicly suggest third-party involvement.

• No suspects were identified.

• No criminal investigation was announced.

Family Statements

During the first week after she disappeared, Alice's family released a statement through Police Scotland saying:

"Alice has been missing for one week now and we are shocked and distressed by her disappearance."

After police announced their belief that Alice had entered the water, her family publicly thanked supporters and acknowledged the extraordinary community response.

Her Brother's Campaign

One of the most moving developments came later through Alice's brother, Xani Byrne.

In 2023, he launched a major fundraising and awareness project called Tandem Against Suicide, cycling around mainland Britain to support suicide-bereavement charities and raise awareness. He spoke publicly about thinking about Alice every day and the impact her loss had on the family.

What Happened?

Based on public information:

Known Facts

• Alice left a friend's flat on New Year's Day morning.

• She walked toward Portobello beach.

• Extensive searches found no evidence of criminality.

• Police concluded she entered the water alone.

Unknowns

• The exact circumstances leading up to her entering the water.

• Her thoughts and intentions that morning.

• Details of the evidence that led police to their conclusion.

Police Position

The public evidence points away from foul play and toward a tragic incident involving Alice entering the sea alone. Police have not publicly suggested any alternative explanation.

If you'd like, I can also gather:

• More photographs of Alice from family appeals,

• A map of her final known route through Portobello,

• Or a detailed reconstruction of the CCTV timeline and search operation.