'We hope Moyra is safe', says Tain rector
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THE rector at the Easter Ross secondary attended by a teenager who has now been missing more than two days has told of his concerns.
Sixteen-year-old Moyra Liz As-Chainey was last seen at her home in Edderton on Wednesday at 8.30am and since then a major search has been launched to try to find her.
A massive air and land search has been launched following fears for the wellbeing of the fifth year pupil at Tain Royal Academy.
In a statement issued today, the local education authority, Highland Council, confirmed the teenager is in her fifth year at the 500-pupil secondary and has been preparing for her SQA examinations.
Donnie MacLeod, the rector of Tain Royal Academy, said he and his staff are assisting Northern Constabulary with their investigations.
He said: “News of Moyra’s disappearance is a real concern to staff, pupils and people in the community who know her. We hope she is safe and well and turns up soon.”
The school's prizegiving went ahead as scheduled on Thursday night.
Mr MacLeod's concern for Moyra's safety come in the wake of a direct appeal to the teenager from a senior police officer to make contact.
Chief Inspector Matthew Reiss stressed that Moyra’s family and friends were very worried about her.
He also thanked the public for their "tremendous response" to appeals to help find the Tain Royal Academy pupil.
Chief Inspector Reiss, said: "There is increasing concern for Moyra’s safety and I would just like to say to Moyra - please get in touch.
"You are not in any trouble, we just want to know where you are and that you are safe and well. Your family and friends are very worried about you."
He added: "I would like to thank all those involved in the searches and especially members of the public, who are assisting in trying to find Moyra. There has been a tremendous response locally and to our Facebook appeal and I am very grateful for that."
The police-led searches, which involve multi-agency partners including dogs, will be concentrating on the Edderton area today.
Moyra is described as being about 5’7" in height, with long brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a navy fleece, black leggings and UGG boots.
Northern Constabulary's Facebook page - which is carrying an appeal for information - has been inundated with hundrdeds messages of support and appeals to Moyra to make contact with family or friends.
Police are using social networking sites to spread the word as widely as possible about concerns for the teenager.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Moyra is asked to contact Tain Police on 01862 893852 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
