Aleksandr Benga: Police launch new appeal one year after teenager disappeared on Stornoway

Aleksandr Benga, who would now be 17, was reported missing on the morning of November 18 last year, and was last seen on CCTV around 8.45am near to the water wheel in the grounds of Lews Castle.

A significant search operation was carried out at the time of his disappearance and involved specialist search advisors, Police Mountain Rescue Team, the coastguard as well as community volunteers.

Mr Benga is described as 6ft 2ins tall and of slim build with short brown hair.

When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans and had a yellow beanie hat with him. He had also been wearing a red jacket, which was later recovered during the course of the search activity in Seaforth Road, in Stornoway.

Inspector Euan Cowan said: "It has now been a year since Aleksandr was last seen and we recognise how difficult this continues to be for his family and friends.

"Despite extensive searches and enquiries involving specialist teams and partner agencies, Aleksandr remains missing. We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light.

"I would again urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police, or who may have even the smallest piece of information, to get in touch. No detail is too minor and may assist with our enquiries.

"Aleksandr's family have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has offered help and support over the past year and have requested their privacy be respected."

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0803 of November 18 2024.