Father's appeal over missing son

Extensive efforts have been made to find Simon MacMillan

The father of a man missing since Boxing Day has backed a plea from police to dismiss claims he was the victim of foul play.

Simon MacMillan, 21, from South Uist, on the Western Isles, remains missing despite extensive efforts to find him.

Northern Constabulary were responding to a report in a Sunday newspaper.

Angus MacMillan said: "I would concur with the police and coastguard that at this time this is a missing person inquiry to find Simon."

A dog search team has been searching the area over the weekend Insp Steve Black

Insp Steve Black, who has been coordinating the search on South Uist, said speculation that foul play was involved was "incorrect and misleading".

He said: "There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that this is anything other than a missing person inquiry.

"There has been no evidence of any foul play coming to light during the very thorough police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Simon's disappearance."

Mr MacMillan's father praised the effort to find his son.

He said: "The massive support that the thousands of members of the community, and Simon's friends, have shown, bear witness to Simon's good character and popularity."

Searches of South Uist for Mr MacMillan have seen as many as 200 people involved.

Insp Black said: "A dog search team has been searching the area over the weekend and we will be liaising with the coastguard over the next couple of days to see if there is anything further which can be done."

Mr MacMillan was last seen in the early hours of Boxing Day after stepping off a minibus just a few miles from his home near Ardmore.