Upturned and drifting paddleboard sparks 'significant' search at Highland loch

An upturned and drifting paddleboard sparked a “significant” search at a loch in the Highlands, with police yet to find its owner.

Officers are urgently seeking the owner of the board found at Loch Bad A’Ghaill, near Stac Pollaidh in the Coigach region just north of Ullapool on Sunday.

A significant multi-agency search was conducted with assistance from HM Coastguard and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

A Coastguard rescue helicopter and teams from Achiltibuie and Ullapool were sent to the scene to investigate a potential person in the water.

The search was stood down by Police Scotland after nothing was found.

It is understood, however, that the paddleboard’s owner has yet to come forward.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.25pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, we received a report of a paddleboard drifting on Loch Bad A’Ghaill near Ullapool.

“A significant multi-agency search was conducted, and no person was traced.

“Anyone who may have information about the owner of the paddleboard is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 1772 of July 6, 2025.”

HM Coastguard said: “At around 4pm on Sunday, HM Coastguard was called to assist Police Scotland with an upturned watercraft and a potential person in the water at Loch Bad a’ Ghaill.

“An HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Achiltibuie and Ullapool were sent, and a search was conducted.

“With nothing found, the search was later stood down by Police. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also attended.”