Police officers searching for a missing 76-year-old discovered a man’s body near the River Beauly on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Authorities had launched an urgent local search earlier in the day after Alasdair Fergusson vanished from his home in the Highlands.
Mr Fergusson was last seen in the Garden Place area of Beauly at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. His sudden disappearance during the early hours prompted immediate concern from his family and local emergency services, who noted that his vanishing was highly out of character.
Before he went missing, Mr Fergusson was described as standing roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slim build and short hair. He was believed to be wearing a navy jumper, black jogging bottoms, and brown shoes when he was last seen.
Police Statement and Investigation Details
Following the discovery near the waterway on Sunday afternoon, Police Scotland issued an update regarding the ongoing search operation. While formal identification of the deceased has not yet taken place, the family of Mr Fergusson has been notified of the development.
“On Sunday, 4 October, 2026, the body of a man was found near to the River Beauly. Formal identification is yet to take place, however the family of 76-year-old Alasdair Fergusson, who was reported missing earlier today, have been made aware. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”
Authorities confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. As standard procedure in Scotland, a comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Community Impact and Support
The sudden search and subsequent discovery deeply affected the local community of Beauly. Local emergency response teams, alongside public appeals shared across the Highlands, worked swiftly to try and trace the pensioner after he was reported missing.
Police Scotland expressed gratitude to members of the public who shared the initial appeal and assisted officers during the fast-moving search operation in the local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was reported missing in Beauly?
Alasdair Fergusson, a 76-year-old local resident, was reported missing after disappearing from his home.
When was Mr Fergusson last seen?
He was last seen at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the Garden Place area of Beauly on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where was the body found?
Police Scotland confirmed that a man’s body was discovered near the River Beauly during the search efforts.
Is the death being treated as suspicious?
No, authorities stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Has formal identification taken place?
As of the initial police statements, formal identification is yet to take place, but Mr Fergusson’s family has been informed of the discovery.
