Police have confirmed the body of a man found on a north-east beach is that of missing Inverness teen Adam Mitchell.
Adam went missing from his city home on November 9, sparking a major search involving everything from posters and CCTV trawls to helicopter and lifeboat teams.
The 18-year-old’s family were informed on Monday when a body was found at a beach at St Fergus, near Peterhead.
His father, Mark Mitchell, who lives with his wife Kathleen and their son at an address in Culduthel Mains Crescent, said the family had been “absolutely gutted” at the discovery.
He told the Press and Journal: “I would just like to thank everyone at Burnett Road police station from the moment we reported the matter and stepped in the door. They have done everything possible to bring our boy home.
“We would also like to thank the RNLI. We watched these guys in action from the shoreline and just can not thank them enough, and the coastguard as well, and all of Adam’s friends and family. They did everything possible but, unfortunately, it was just not the outcome we were hoping for.”
Almost two weeks ago, in an emotional plea for help to find Adam, his family described him as a “typical teenager” who loved heavy metal music.
The statement said he was “friendly and open with everyone he met” and a “gentle, fun-loving young man who was loyal to his friends,” and that his disappearance as out of character.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We would like to thank all partner agencies, local businesses and members of the public who assisted with the search for Adam.
“Our thoughts are with Adam’s family at this very difficult time.”