Police officers searching for a missing 76-year-old pensioner found a man's body near the River Beauly on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The discovery followed a local search launched earlier that day after Alasdair Fergusson vanished from his home.
Fergusson had last been seen around 1:30 a. m.
in the Garden Place area of Beauly.
His disappearance raised concern because he was reported missing during cold, dark hours without contacting his family.
Public Appeal and Description
Police described the missing resident as roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slim build and short hair.
Before his disappearance, he was believed to be wearing black jogging bottoms, a navy jumper, and brown shoes.
"We are growing increasingly concerned for Alasdair's welfare and need to ensure he is safe and well," said Sergeant Steve MacLennan of Police Scotland during the initial public appeal.
MacLennan urged anyone who spotted a person matching the physical description in the surrounding area to contact law enforcement officers immediately.
"Given he was reported missing in the middle of the night when it was dark and cold, and hasn't been in touch with his family since, it's urgent we trace him as soon as we can," MacLennan said.
He also said the behavior was very out of character for Alasdair and asked anyone who had seen someone matching his description in the Beauly area to get in touch as soon as possible.
Search efforts shifted on Sunday afternoon when emergency responders located a body close to the river bank.
Police immediately notified the missing man's family regarding the discovery.
Formal identification of the body remains pending while officers continue their preliminary investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
"On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the body of a man was found near to the River Beauly," said a spokesperson for Police Scotland.
Authorities confirmed that the situation does not appear suspicious at this stage.
"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 police spokesperson said.
Investigators are preparing standard documentation regarding the incident for official judicial review.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course," the police spokesperson said.
