Searches continue in Western Isles for Stornoway teenager Aleksandr Benga missing for over a week

Searches are continuing for a missing 16-year-old who disappeared a week ago in the Western Isles.

Aleksandr Benga was last seen at around 8.45am on Monday, November 18, near the water wheel on the grounds of Lewis Castle in Stornoway.

The teenager is described by police as 6ft 2in tall and of slim build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a beige jumper and black jeans, and police say he had a yellow beanie hat with him.

Specialist search officers from Aberdeen and Inverness have travelled to the island to assist with the ongoing extensive searches, and partner agencies are providing support.

On Monday, officers stopped pedestrians and motorists in and around the Lewis Castle area as part of the investigation.

Councillor Gordon Murray, from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said the situation was “heartbreaking” and that the local community has been affected by Aleksandr’s disappearance.

He told STV News: “It’s been a heartbreaking situation that our community finds itself in with a young lad in our community going missing.

“Thoughts of the community are with the family. Were all hoping and praying that he turns up safe, especially in the terrible weather that we’re having at the moment.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to the police and emergency services for all their doing in trying to locate Aleksandr. We hope that he will be found well as soon as possible.”

Police are urging anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts to come forward.

Those with information on Aleksandr’s whereabouts, contact Police Scotland via 101 as soon as possible, quoting incident 0803 of November 18, 2024.