Police seize 1,500 hours of CCTV footage after boy sexually assaulted on Loch Ness camping trip

Detectives investigating the sexual assault of an eight-year-old boy on a camping trip in the Highlands have seized more than 1,500 hours of CCTV footage.

The boy was asleep within his tent at Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit when he was approached by a man between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday, July 31.

The man sexually assaulted the boy while his family, who were confirmed to be tourists on holiday, were asleep in an adjacent tent.

During a media briefing last week, officers confirmed that the boy’s father overheard the incident and witnessed the suspect leaving the area.

He is described as a white man, aged between 35 and 50 years old, around 5ft 10ins tall and bald. It is understood the man was not known to the boy or his family.

On Thursday, police confirmed they have seized more than 1,500 hours of CCTV footage and visited almost 100 properties as part of extensive door-to-door enquiries.

A dedicated team of officers are continuing enquiries, including tracing visitors who were staying at the campsite at the time of the sexual assault.

Detective Superintendent Calum Smith said: “We have significant resources dedicated to this investigation and are fully committed to finding the individual responsible.

“Please be assured there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes and officers have seized more than 1,500 hours of public and private CCTV footage.

“As part of our investigation, we have specialist resources from across the country assisting local officers.

“We have had a good response from the public so far, but I would again urge anyone with information to please come forward.

“Please think back – were you in the area at the time? Did you notice anyone matching the suspect’s description?

“Even if it doesn’t seem significant, please pass any information on. It could prove crucial to our investigation.”

Specialist officers are continuing to support the boy and his family.

Superintendent Judy Hill said: “I would like to thank everyone for their help so far, including local businesses.

“We understand this incident will be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community.

“I would encourage anyone with any concerns, or any information, to approach local officers or call 101.”

If you have any information, contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0167 of July 31, 2025.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.