Remains found thoseof missing student

Human remains found in the water off a St Andrews beach have been formally identified as a missing student.

Duncan Sim, 19, was last seen leaving a night out at Madras Rugby Club in the Fife town on March 14. He failed to return to his accommodation and was reported missing the following day.

More than 100 volunteers joined specialists in the search and partial remains were discovered by a member of the public on West Sands beach on June 3.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mr Sim’s family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Duncan, our much loved son, brother, uncle and friend. We are very grateful for all the support that we received from the public, especially the Fife and Scottish Borders communities.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Police Scotland for their efforts and support throughout the course of their investigations.

“We respectfully request privacy at this difficult time.”

Chief Inspector Steven Hamilton thanked volunteers from St Andrews and the teenager’s hometown of Duns for helping in the search. Plans by Rolls-Royce to cut 4,600 jobs over the next few years have sparked calls to protect posts at the engineering firm’s bases in northern Scotland.

The company operates the Vulcan nuclear submarine testing facility in Caithness and also has a maintenance base at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross last night wrote to UK Business Secretary Greg Clark urging him to ensure the Vulcan site is protected.

“I write today to make

Duncan Sim BY CALUM ROSS