Fears growing for the safety of missing Hamilton man Jim Stewart

Dec 24 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

CONCERN was mounting this week over the safety of a Hamilton painter and decorator who has been missing for almost two weeks.

Jim Stewart (38) was last seen walking with his small mongrel dog, by one of his friends, in Chatelherault Country Park at about 8.10pm on Tuesday, December 15.

Police are concerned that he may have fallen down a gorge or become ill. His family are extremely anxious as there have been no reported sightings of him since.

Jim, who has no children, has a partner and lives in Eddlewood.

He is described as 5ft. 8ins. tall, slim with blue eyes and a pale complexion.

Jim is bald, with dark hair at sides.

He was wearing a blue Regatta zipped fleece, cream jumper with white collar and white canvas trousers.

The trousers were paint-stained as he is a painter and decorator by trade.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Superintendent Colin Campbell, of Hamilton Police Office, told the Advertiser: “Given the passage of time and the terrible weather we have had since he was last seen, we have very serious concerns for Jim’s safety.

“He is believed to have become separated from a friend in Chatelherault Country Park.

“While the area is a popular spot for families and dog-walkers, some of the terrain is difficult and Jim may have fallen or become ill.”

Despite a major search involving the police specialist services including a helicopter and mountain rescue, dog branch and underwater unit, police have not been able to track down Jim.

Superintendent Campbell said: “We are urgently seeking help from anyone who may have seen Jim on Tuesday, December 15, or has any information as to his present whereabouts.”

And he added: “Jim finished work around noon last Tuesday and may at some point during the afternoon have been walking possibly with his dog in the woods near his home.

“This is out of character for Jim and his family are clearly extremely worried.

“We will be continuing our search and enquiries but I am appealing for anyone with any information, no matter how trivial it might appear, to contact Hamilton Police Office immediately.”

Anyone who knows Jim’s whereabouts should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300.