Homecoming crew pay tribute to missing Scots sailor

Sailors lining the decks of a Royal Navy warship as it returned to base left a gap where a Scottish comrade who went missing during the deployment would normally have stood.

Leading Seaman Timothy MacColl, originally from Killin, failed to return to HMS Westminster while the Type 23 frigate was alongside in Dubai in May.

The family of the missing
rating released 100 yellow balloons as the warship arrived at Portsmouth naval base yesterday morning.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “In keeping with tradition, the ship’s company line the upper decks for the homecoming. A gap was left as a mark of respect for the family of missing crew member, Leading Seaman Timothy MacColl.

“The Royal Navy remains concerned for his safety and continues to provide support for his family. The matter is being treated as a missing person case.”