'Every day is a nightmare': Family plea as Scots dance teacher detained in Taiwan

A family are pleading for help after a Scottish dance teacher was detained after travelling to Taiwan.

Lewis Potter, from Fife, travelled to Taiwan in June but was detained by authorities after an alleged illegal substance was found in a suitcase he was carrying.

The 25-year-old’s family say a friend, who was due to travel with Lewis but pulled out, asked him to take his suitcase on the trip.

Loved ones say the professional dance teacher had “no reason to believe” there was anything wrong with the suitcase as it was given to him by someone he trusted.

His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation.

Lewis’ family say they haven’t been able to be in contact with him and are only learning information through a lawyer they appointed.

Erin, his sister, on behalf of the family, said: “Anyone who knows Lewis knows what an incredible person he is. He is kind, caring, hardworking and always puts others before himself. He has an amazing ability to make people smile, even when he is facing challenges of his own.

“He is a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his absence has left an enormous hole in all of our lives.”

She added: “As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives. For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn’t know what had happened.

“The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this.

“We are also deeply worried about Lewis’s mental health and well-being. He is alone in a foreign country, unable to communicate with his family, and we haven’t even been able to hear his voice. As parents, not knowing how he is coping has been absolutely heartbreaking.”

The family are now raising funds to cover the legal costs needed to assist the 25-year-old. They say it could amount to around £12,000.

An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national detained in Taiwan and are in contact with the local authorities.”

You can view the crowdfunder here.