The family of a father who disappeared during Storm Boelo are pleading for information as police issue a fresh appeal one week after he went missing. Tom Allan, 63, was reported missing from Westmains Farm in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, on Friday, October 23. He was last seen by his family at around 8.15am that day.
Extensive Searches Continue
Officers say they are "very concerned" for his welfare and had initially asked the public to check sheds and outbuildings. Extensive searches remain ongoing in the Stonehouse area, with the farmland and wider local area scoured during the storm, which brought heavy rain and 80mph winds to Scotland over the weekend, leaving many communities damaged.
Police are working with specialist units including the police helicopter, dive and marine unit, police dogs, and mountain rescue teams. One week on from his disappearance, the force has issued a fresh appeal for information.
Family's Heartfelt Appeal
Tom's family, including his daughter and niece, have also taken to social media to make a heartfelt appeal. Sharing a photo of what her dad was wearing when he left his home on Friday, Gayle, Tom's daughter, wrote on Facebook: "This is what my dad (Tom Allan) was wearing when he left his home on Friday 23rd October.
"White cap with a dark brim, navy blue boiler suit, green wellies, and a green flexothane type waterproof jacket. He also had a red collared jacket underneath the boiler suit. Please, please get in touch with the police if you recognise anything or have any information."
Katy, Tom's niece, added today: "It's been one week and uncle Tom is still missing. Please keep sharing [the appeal] We need him home!"
Police Urge Public to Check Footage
Tom is described as white and 6ft 1in with grey hair. As described by his loved ones, he was wearing blue overalls and a white cap. He may also be wearing a green jacket.
Inspector Kenny MacRobert said: "Tom has now been missing for a week, and we are very concerned for his welfare.
"We're continuing to appeal to any members of the public, including anyone who has been walking in the area over the last week, to consider whether they may have seen Tom and let us know about any potential sightings.
"We'd particularly urge motorists who have been driving in the local area to check any dashcam footage in case you have captured anything of significance."
Earlier this week, with worries mounting for Tom's safety and wellbeing, the force had also asked the public to check sheds and outbuildings as searches carried on in the Stonehouse area. Inspector Colin Thapar previously said: "We are very concerned for Tom's welfare and we are keen to trace him as soon as possible. As our searches and enquiries continue, I would urge anyone living, walking or driving in the area to keep a look out for Tom. Please check gardens, sheds and outhouses in case he has sought shelter."
Anyone who has seen him or has any information which may assist police should contact 101 quoting reference number 2759.
