Family’s anguish after Jim Stewart missing for more than two weeks

Dec 31 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE family of a Hamilton painter and decorator this week told how they are finding it to difficult to come to terms with his disappearance.

Jim Stewart (38) was last seen walking with his 15-year-old Alsatian/Collie cross by one of his friends in Chatelherault Country Park about 8.10pm on Tuesday, December 15.

It’s believed he became separated from his friend in the park.

Police fear that Jim may have fallen down a gorge or become ill.

Officers last week appealed for the public’s help in tracing him.

Posters of Jim have been distributed widely around the Hamilton area.

Despite a major search involving the police specialist services including a helicopter and mountain rescue, dog branch and underwater unit, officers have been unable to track down Jim.

A further ground search has been curtailed by the snowfall and extremely low temperatures but will resume when the weather permits.

Superintendent Colin Campbell, of Hamilton Police Office said: “It is now two weeks since Jim was reported missing and his whereabouts remain a mystery, despite enquiries with his known friends and relatives and extensive search of Chatelherault Country Park.

“Jim’s family and partner are obviously finding it hard to come to terms with his disappearance, all the more so at this time of year.

“I believe that members of the public could still hold the key to tracing Jim, and I am keen to track his movements from about midday on Tuesday, December 15, when he finished work.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken to him to come forward.”

Jim, who has no children, lives with his partner Anne, in Eddlewood.

According to Anne, Jim and his dog were inseparable and they would be seen regularly walking together in the woods bordering Eddlewood and the country park.

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

He is bald, with dark hair at the sides.

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

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

Officers are hoping that Jim’s dog may jog people’s memories about them walking together.

The dog, who was found safe, is described as an Alsatian/Collie cross, black and tan.

Anyone with information should contact Hamilton Police Office on 483300.