A BODY found in the Gartmorn Dam reservoir on Boxing Day has been identified locally as Ian McBurney.

Tributes were made online to the 55-year-old, who went missing on Christmas Eve alongside his friend, who has not been found or identified yet.

The two were fishing on the reservoir but encountered difficulties, with Police Scotland explaining that they were made aware of “concern for two men” at the reservoir.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for two men in the area of Gartmorn Dam near Sauchie at around 12.20pm on Sunday, December 24.

“Around 12.30pm on Tuesday, December 26, the body of a 55-year-old man was found.

“He has been formally identified and his family has been notified.

“Searches are continuing to locate the other man.”

The second man, who has not been identified yet at the request of his family, remains missing, with relatives reported to be hitting out at Police Scotland for not acting quickly enough to find him.

The missing man’s cousin Thomas Stobbart was quoted in the Daily Record describing the police’s handling of the search as “absolutely disgusting”.

He refuted claims there was a frantic search going on, and suggested the police only had officers standing guard at the dam rather than carrying out searches.

He was also reported saying that after the body of Mr McBurney was recovered on Boxing Day, the police diving unit ended their search, indicating they would resume the following day.

The family called on Police Scotland to deploy further resources to find their missing loved one.

Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: “We have carried out a number of searches in the Gartmorn Dam area after we received a report of concern for two men on Sunday, 24 December.

“We know how challenging the last week has been for family and loved ones of the man who remains missing, especially given the time of year. We continue to provide support and are in regular contact with them.

“Specialist resources including the Dive and Marine, Dog and Air Support units, as well as our partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Coastguard have assisted at the scene.

“We will continue to act on all information we receive, and I would urge anyone who believes they have information that could help to please call 101, quoting reference 1281 of Sunday, 24 December.”