Search for missing man called off

Simon MacMillan went missing after a night out

The search for a man missing after a Christmas dance in the Outer Hebrides has been called off for the day.

Coastguard, police and volunteers have been retracing the last known movements of Simon MacMillan, from South Uist.

The 21-year-old has not been seen since he got off a minibus in the Linique area of Iochdar, a couple of miles from his Ardmore home at 0300 GMT on Friday.

Mr MacMillan had attended a dance at St Peter's Hall, in Daliburgh, on the south of the island on Christmas Day.

He was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and black trainers.

Friends have been posting messages on Mr MacMillan's Bebo internet page, expressing hope he would be found safe.

Parish priest Michael MacDonald said many islanders were joining with the emergency services in the search.

He said: "People are coming from Barra and Harris and boats are searching on the east side from Skye.

"I think that is testimony to the generosity of the spirit of the people here."

Outstanding inquiries

Northern Constabulary urged householders to check their gardens and outbuildings.

Ch Insp Philip MacRae said: "We don't have any information as to his exact intentions from getting off the minibus.

"We are investigating what exactly happened when he did leave the minibus. We have got a number of outstanding inquiries with people who were on the minibus."

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