Family dismayed over police search for missing dad-of-four feared drowned in Christmas fishing tragedy

The family of a missing dad-of-four feared drowned in a Christmas fishing tragedy that claimed the life of his friend are dismayed over the police search to recover his body.

Greig Stoddart, 44, remains missing following an overnight fishing trip to Gartmorn Dam in Clackmannanshire with Ian McBurney, 55, on 23 December.

A search was launched for the pair on Christmas Eve after the alarm was raised over concern for the men at the Scotish beauty spot.

The body of Mr McBurney was recovered on Boxing Day, but Mr Stoddart is yet to be found.

Police Scotland said dive and marine unit searches were continuing on Wednesday.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Stoddart’s father, Jock Stoddart, said: “We just want them to find Greig. We want him home.”

It is understood the men used a small boat to sail across to an island on the reservoir and may have got into difficulty on their way back to the mainland.

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Family members have criticised the police’s handling of the case, claiming searches have not been carried out every day.

A video shared online by a relative appears to show two officers walking around the dam but no search activity on the water.

In response, Police Scotland said searches have been carried out whenever possible – with underwater searches postponed for a time due to weather conditions and safety reasons.

The force said where it has not been possible for the dive and marine unit to use a boat, searches still commenced using ropes along the shoreline.

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Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: “We have carried out a number of searches in the Gartmorn Dam area after we received a report of concern for two men on Sunday 24 December.

“We know how challenging the last week has been for family and loved ones of the man who remains missing, especially given the time of year.

“We continue to provide support and are in regular contact with them.

“Specialist resources including the dive and marine, dog and air support units, as well as our partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and coastguard have assisted at the scene.

“We will continue to act on all information we receive, and I would urge anyone who believes they have information that could help to please call 101.”

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