First Minister says the family of Liam Buchan are facing 'every families worst nightmare'
The search to find the Dundee teenager has reached day five after he was swept away in the River North Esk
Last updated 19th Jul 2023
The search to find Liam Buchan has reached day five after the 15-year-old was swept away in the River North Esk near Edzell.
Read More: Missing 15-year-old named as Liam Buchan
First Minister Humza Yousaf says he 'can't imagine' what the family are going through after the Dundee teenager got into difficulty in the water late on Saturday (15th July 2023) afternoon.
The First Minister said: "I can't imagine what they are going through. It's every families, I think, worst nightmare and every parents worst nightmare.
"So, I know our emergency services are doing every thing they absolutely can in that regard.
"My thoughts and my prayers are very much with the family, friends and the community that have been affected."
Mountain rescue and Police dive teams have been continuing to search the area.
A GoFundMe page, set up by Liam's cousin Jodie Maggs has now raised over £4,000 to support the family.
In a statment with the page, Jodie said: "My little cousin, Liam, has been involved in a tragic accident. He was with family and friends in the area of the River Esk near Edzell when he got into difficulty in the water.
"Despite people’s effort to save him Liam has been taken by the strengths of the water and we are still searching for him.
"We are overwhelmed with support from family and friends and the rescue team and we are hoping and praying every single minute that we can bring our baby home home to be with his family.
"All funds raised will be sent directly to Liam’s immediate family to help them navigate through this difficult time and gather the recourses for the rescue team to continue to search for him.
"If you cannot donate at this time please share on social media, pass on links with family and friends. Any help and awareness is greatly appreciated.
"Please send a prayer that Liam is returned home. Thank you so much."