The heartbroken dad of missing Finn Creaney has wished his son a happy birthday in an emotional video almost nine months after his disappearance.
Mark Creaney marked his son's 33rd birthday today, Monday December 19, saying his family hoped Finn could "feel" their birthday wishes even though they don't know where he is.
Finn's family have been desperate for answers that will bring him home since he disappeared earlier this year. He was last seen on March 25 when he was dropped off at Loch Naver, on the B873 public road in Sutherland, at around 2.15pm.
The dad-of-one had planned to start his walking route around the Loch and south to Golspie. He only had a water bottle, knife and blanket poncho with him.
Finn is an experienced outdoorsman and bush crafter and his family have repeatedly stated he was of "sound mind" and the "happiest he'd been" when he was last seen, meaning his disappearance is unexplainable to them.
In a video on on the Search for Finn Creaney Facebook page, Mark said: "It's Finn's birthday today, he is 33 years old. Wherever he is we are sending him the best, loving birthday wishes we can possibly send in his direction.
"Hopefully he will feel that from us even though we do not currently know where he is. We just hope he knows we are thinking about him on this day."
Police have carried out extensive searches to trace Finn land, sea and air, as well as deploying rescue dogs. His family and volunteers have spent many hours continuing to search the Loch and surrounding hills.
But Mark said they had been "forced" to abandon the search right now due to the freezing conditions that swept over the country this last week.
In the update he said: "We have been forced off the hill down to bad weather so we are home for a bit which is not easy as we want to get back up there. As soon as the bad weather clears we are going to get back up there and continue our search.
"It's not easy to be sat at home, especially at this time of year on his birthday and Christmas coming up. His family are waiting for him so we want to be as proactive as we can to get him home but it was getting a wee bit dangerous with the snow and bogs.
"We are not giving up and the weather will improve. We will keep searching and get him home. We want to thank everyone that helps us on the hill and off and contributes to the GoFundMe. Just want you to know that it matters.
"We know in our hearts we are supported by people. I hope you have an amazing time at home and look after your loved ones and tell you love them. Not because they are going anywhere but because there is no downside to it. Hopefully next time I see you I will have better news."
Finn is described as being 5ft 11in tall, of slim build, with light complexion and freckles on his arms and nose. He has long brown hair down to his lower back and a full brown/ginger beard.
When last seen he was wearing brown walking boots and a long brown leather jacket which was slightly aged and is a replica of Aragorns ranger outfit from Lord of the Rings. Finn also had a green wool poncho and green Berghaus rucksack with him.
Anyone who may have seen Finn or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0912 of March 28.
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