Police in the Highlands have issued a renewed appeal for information one year after Aleksandr Benga was reported missing in Stornoway.
Aleksandr, who would now be seventeen, was last seen on the morning of Monday eighteen November twenty twenty four and remains untraced despite extensive searches and enquiries across the island.
He was captured on CCTV around eight forty five near the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle, the last confirmed sighting before the search operation began.
Officers say the past year has seen repeated efforts to review and retrace every available lead, and they are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
The initial search involved specialist resources from across Scotland including search advisors, police dogs and the Police Mountain Rescue Team, with assistance from the Coastguard and a large number of volunteers from the local community.
Aleksandr is described as six feet two inches tall and of slim build with short brown hair, and officers are releasing his description again in the hope that someone may recall seeing him or remember something that did not seem significant at the time.
When last seen he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans and was carrying a yellow beanie hat.
He had previously been wearing a red jacket that was later recovered in Seaforth Road during the search activity.
Inspector Euan Cowan said the anniversary of Aleksandr’s disappearance is a difficult time for his family and those who know him, and that the search for answers has not stopped.
“It has now been a year since Aleksandr was last seen and we recognise how difficult this continues to be for his family and friends,” he said.
“Despite extensive searches and enquiries involving specialist teams and partner agencies, Aleksandr remains missing.”
He said the case continues to be reviewed and that officers remain open to any new information that may help.
“We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light,” he said.
He urged anyone who has not yet spoken to police to consider whether they may hold even a small piece of information that could assist.
“I would again urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police, or who may have even the smallest piece of information, to get in touch,” he said.
“No detail is too minor and may assist with our enquiries.”
Inspector Cowan said Aleksandr’s family has been supported throughout the past year and have expressed their gratitude to those who helped in the searches and offered kindness during an incredibly painful time.
He also requested that their privacy continue to be respected.
“Aleksandr’s family have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has offered help and support over the past year and have requested their privacy be respected,” he said.
Police Scotland are asking anyone with information to contact them on one zero one quoting incident number zero eight zero three of eighteen November twenty twenty four.
