WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT – Police Scotland said the man approached the child within his tent at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit, the Scottish Highlands
A manhunt is underway for a fiend who sexually assaulted an eight-year-old boy in his tent when he was on a camping holiday with his family.
Police say the predator – described as a white man, aged between 35 to 50-years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall and bald – approached the youngster within his tent at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit, the Scottish Highlands. This happened between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday, 31, July, 2025, while the boy’s family were in an adjacent tent.
The man sexually assaulted the child, and then left the area. Police Scotland say specialist officers are supporting the boy and his family while extensive enquiries continue.
“This sexual assault was carried out on a young boy, who was camping overnight with his family and it is vital we trace the man responsible as soon as possible. A dedicated team of officers are carrying out investigations, including carrying out enquiries in the local area and reviewing all available CCTV footage,” Detective Inspector Christopher Macleod said today.
Detectives in Drumnadrochit are now appealing for information in connection with the attack. Det Insp Macleod added: “I would urge anyone who was staying in the Drumnadrochit area to come forward, as any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital.
“Please think back – do you recognise anyone who matches the description of the suspect? Or did you see anyone behaving in a strange manner, giving cause for concern, or loitering in the area?”
Police have today encouraged drivers to come forward, particularly as they may have dashcam footage. Det Insp Macleod continued: “I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage, or who has seen something suspicious.
“We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far. This incident will be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“Please be reassured this is a significant investigation and there will be a large police presence in the area. This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division. Anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
If you have any information, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0167 of 31 July, 2025. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.