Beach body confirmed as missing man

Michael MacLennan's body was found washed up on Avoch beach.

POLICE have confirmed a body found washed up on a Black Isle beach is that of a missing Inverness man.

Northern Constabulary has identified the body, one of two discovered within five days of each other, as being Michael MacLennan (48).

Mr MacLennan, also known as “Step”, of Shore Street, Inverness, had not been seen since December 5. Following his disappearance, police issued appeals on his whereabouts. They told how he was known to travel regularly on a black bicycle.

He was discovered on the shoreline at Avoch on Wednesday, February 16 by local man Roy Clark, who was out walking his dog.

Next of kin have been informed and a report has now been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Another body was found on an Avoch beach five days later on Sunday, February 20.

He was named as Calum Stout (40) of Hilton Court, Inverness.

Police received a call from a member of the public who reported they had discovered the body on the shoreline, near to the sewerage works, at 10.36am.

Mr Stout had been reported missing from New Craigs hospital in Inverness two days earlier.

Northern Constabulary said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.