Daughter’s tribute as body found in hunt for swimmer

THE daughter of a man missing for almost a week off the coast of Skye posted a poignant tribute to her father after a body was found.

Mr Gordon went for a swim at Kyleakin. Picture: Geograph.co.uk/Police Scotland

Andrew Gordon, from Tranent in East Lothian, had not been seen since Sunday morning, when it is believed he went for a swim at Kyleakin, by the Skye Bridge.

The body of a man was yesterday found in the Erbusaig area of Kyle of Lochalsh at around midday.

Formal identification is yet to take place. However, Mr Gordon’s devastated family have been informed.

In an emotional post on the Highlands and Islands Police Facebook page, daughter Caroline wrote: “Dad. I can’t believe you’re not here.

“Life is just so, so cruel. How can a holiday to your favourite place in the world turn into something so sinister.

“I can’t believe you are gone, my heart aches without you here beside me. Love you always.”

Mr Gordon had been attending the Shoot the Goose bikers rally on Skye when he vanished.

His wife Angela and three daughters Sharon, Claire and Caroline, had faced an agonising wait for news.

They issued an appeal for information via Police Scotland on Tuesday.

In tribute to Mr Gordon, they have shared poignant family photographs and pictures of the Skye Bridge online.

An extensive search operation had been ongoing since Sunday, and Mr Gordon’s clothes were found on the coastline on Wednesday afternoon.

Keen biker Mr Gordon had been attending a rally organised by the Twisted Pistons motorcycle club when he went missing.

Family friend Morag Matheson wrote a post on the club’s social networking site to inform members a body had been found.

Ms Matheson said: “Just to let you know that Andy was found yesterday morning. Angela and the family now have the closure they needed.

“They are very grateful for everyone’s good wishes and support.

“I’ll keep you all posted about funeral arrangements.”

Caroline replied that the family had been “overwhelmed and comforted” by the support of the communities of Skye and East Lothian.

She added: “I can’t wait to get my dad home and we can say our goodbye.”

Throughout the five-day search for Mr Gordon, local police officers were assisted by members of the Skye Mountain Rescue team, the local

Red Cross and RNLI teams, and volunteers from the community.

Specialist police search dogs and trained search officers scoured the shoreline and nearby woodland, while the police helicopter was also used on several occasions.

Mr Gordon was last spoken to at around 8.45am on Sunday, and is believed to have gone for a swim afterwards.

The waters of the Loch Alsh sea inlet underneath the Skye Bridge, which links the North West Highlands with the island, are known for having a strong current.

His family raised the alarm.