Body found in search for missing Western Isles teenager

A body has been found following a major air, land and sea search for a missing teenage schoolgirl in the Western Isles.

Hannah Mackenzie, 17, was last seen outside her school, Nicolson Institute, in Stornoway, at around 4pm on Thursday.

She disappeared following the first day back at school after the summer holidays on the Isle of Lewis.

Coastguards said there was a possible sighting of her in the Stornoway Castle Grounds on Thursday evening, and a body was found there on Friday night.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "We can confirm that a body has been found in the castle grounds, Stornoway. While formal identification has yet to take place, the family of missing person Hannah Mackenzie has been informed."

Hannah, from Gravir on the island, was said to have been intending to walk just over a mile to the Western Isles Hospital in the town after school to meet her mother.

The emergency services searched rough terrain and dense undergrowth with quad vehicles during the operation.

Chief Inspector Ian Graham said: "Our thoughts at this difficult time are with all concerned.”

Hannah’s friends earlier appealed on social media for her to get in touch. Evie Hepworth wrote “Hi everyone, my best friend Hannah Mackenzie has gone missing after school today. She was supposed to be walking to the hospital to meet her mum when I left her but hasn't been in contact with anyone since. The police have asked me to make a post on Facebook to help find her.”

Other pupils said Hannah “seemed fine” at school before she disappeared.