Around 30 friends and family members gathered outside Kilmarnock Police Station on Saturday afternoon, led by Renatta Ginns, who says police "failed" her son Jason Anderson. The 33-year-old from Catrine was found dead on the banks of the River Ayr in February, two months after he disappeared.
Police Scotland continue to treat his death as "unexplained" and have not launched a murder probe despite the family's pleas. Speaking to the Daily Record, Renatta said she was pleased with the support the family received on the day.
Protest over police handling
Renatta said: "It actually went really well. It went amazing. I am really proud of how it went today." She claimed Police Scotland "humiliated" her over how her son's case was handled and their subsequent dialogue with the family, but was hopeful they would listen to the protesters.
She added: "My message to Police Scotland is that they have failed my son. I will get justice for my son. I will not stop until I get justice for him and until we get the answers that we need.
"It is clear to see what has happened to Jason and they have failed in investigating my son's case. There is a big gap. The first 72 hours is crucial and I didn't find out until six days later that my son was missing."
Search and discovery
A desperate search for Jason was launched just before Christmas 2025, with the first public appeal from police coming 11 days after he was last seen on Friday, December 12. Renatta said she wasn't informed Jason was missing for six days, time she feels police could have spent searching for her son.
Jason was found dead in the River Ayr at Failford near Mauchline on Valentine's Day, two months after he was last seen in his home town, around six miles away. The police helicopter, drones, the Dive and Marine Unit and mountain rescue teams were involved in the operation to trace him.
Family's complaints
According to his family, results of a post-mortem did not indicate Jason had drowned or harmed himself. They always believed his death could be suspicious and have lodged complaints with Police Scotland over their handling of the case.
In August, the family issued their own public appeal after obtaining CCTV images showing Jason walking with a male when he was last seen. They believe they know who the man is, but claim requests for certain information to be investigated by police have been repeatedly denied.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A report has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in connection with the death of Jason Anderson. A complaint has been received and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
