EFFORTS are continuing to find a second man who went missing in the Gartmorn Dam reservoir on Christmas Eve.

The two men 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.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, the body of 55-year-old Ian McBurney was recovered on Boxing Day following a two-day police search.

However, the family of the second man, who has not yet been publicly identified, continue to wait to have their loved one returned to them.

They have taken to social media hitting out at Police Scotland’s handling of the search, insisting their loved one has become a “second priority”.

One family member posted on Facebook on Sunday, December 30 stating: “Police Scotland are absolute jokesters.

“Our family member is still missing in the water and has been since Christmas Eve. The dive team has been in the water a total of four hours across five days.

“According to a police officer, it was because they a more ‘important’ call to somewhere in the water somewhere else.. why is he second priority?

“Get off your high horse and bring our family member home.”

Police Scotland continue to search areas of the Gartmorn Dam for signs of the second man, with the search now having gone on for more than two weeks.

Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick told the Record: “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.”