A body was found close to Gerinish on the shore of Loch Bee in South Uist on Sunday 15th March. The Northern Constabulary have confirmed that the remains recovered from the loch are believed to be those of missing Uist man Simon Macmillan who was reported missing on the 26th of December 2008. A post mortem examination is being carried out and a report surrounding the circumstances will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The 21-year-old islander went missing in the early hours of Boxing Day on his way home from a dance. Family friend Father Michael Macdonald said it would be a sad end if the body was identified as Mr MacMillan but he also said the discovery may come as some relief following a long period of uncertainty for his family.   Father Macdonald also paid tribute to all the searchers who doggedly and persistently have continued looking for Simon for the past months.

South Uist councillor Peter Carlin said: "The reaction, of course, is great sadness that the remains of Simon have been found. It has been a long, hard search for Simon. Angus MacMillan and his family have shown tremendous strength and courage and a determination that Simon would be found. So there is a slight relief in the fact that Simon's remains have been found." Simon was a popular figure, an accomplished piper and had chosen a career with the merchant navy.

There is relief but great sadness in Uist and Barra that Simon has been found after such a long time and our sympathies are extended to his parents, Angus and Ealasaid and other members of his family.