Tragedy as body found in woods during search for missing man who vanished from Scots town 7 weeks ago
A BODY has been found in the search for a London man who went missing in the Scottish wilderness.
Marc Drostle, 28, left the UK capital and travelled to Aviemore on December 12 2024.
He was seen in the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, near Nethy Bridge, between December 19 and 21.
Marc then vanished without a trace from the town and was reported missing.
And cops believed he was in the area around Anagach woods, Grantown at 3pm on Christmas Eve.
Extensive searches were launched for the young South East London man, who police was know to walk long distances.
Several appeals were launched urging the public to keep their eyes peeled and report any sightings of Marc.
Officers also released CCTV footage of him in a local shop.
His family grew extremely upset and concerned as the searches to find him continued.
Tragically, a body was found in the woods this morning near Nethy Bridge, Strathspey, seven weeks after Marc went missing.
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Cops and a mountain rescue team were called to the scene of the tragic discovery.
The man has yet to be formally identified, but Marc's family have been told about the discovery.
Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A huge search effort was launched to find Marc after he disappeared.
Specialist search advisers, mountain rescue teams, and police dogs were all involved in the search.
Marc's family previously released a statement through police in January about his disappearance.
In it they revealed he "hadn't been feeling good for some time" and they worried about him looking after himself in the cold December weather.
"Marc is a kind, funny and gentle person."
Family statement
They previously told how he enjoyed being in the woods and had good memories of a family holiday to Scotland when he was young.
They said: “Marc is a kind, funny and gentle person, who is a talented artist and works making mosaics with his dad in South East London.
"He has always loved being in the woods and has fond memories of Scotland from a family holiday when he was younger."
His family added: “We are so grateful to local people for their kindness and support.
"The police have been working hard to find Marc and we really appreciate their efforts and commitment."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.50am on Thursday, 13 February, 2025 officers attended a woodland area in Nethy Bridge, Strathspey after a body was found.
"Emergency services, including mountain rescue, attended and the body of a man was recovered.
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"Formal identification is still to take place, however the family of 28-year-old Marc Drostle, who was reported missing from Aviemore on Saturday, 21 December, 2024, have been made aware.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
