A LOCAL MP has issued an update about the investigation into the disappearance of a Renfrew man who went missing in the Canary Islands three months ago.
We previously reported that Gary Watson Shearer, 53, arrived in the resort of Puerto del Carmen, on Lanzarote, on March 16 to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
He was last seen in the early hours of the next morning and then failed to show up for his flight home a week later.
Gary's family, who flew out to the popular resort to carry out their own search, have criticised what they view as a lack of effort by the Spanish authorities to find out what has happened to him.
Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands recently raised the issue in Parliament in a bid to get more information about the investigation.
He told The Gazette: "The lack of updates and information on the investigation in Lanzarote is massively concerning for the family. Gary's disappearance is completely out of character and has left his family devastated as they search for answers.
"I know Police Scotland have been working with the family but clearly the main focus of the investigation is being led by the authorities in Lanzarote.
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"After raising his case in Parliament I was able to finally get some answers about the progress of the Spanish investigation and the steps that are being taken to find Gary safe and well – and I will continue to work with the Foreign Office to make sure the family are kept updated about what is happening in Lanzarote to trace Gary."
Gary disappeared from outside Bar 67, in Puerto del Carmen, but footage from CCTV cameras shows he was lying unconscious in a shop doorway next to the pub at around 1.30am on March 17.
He suffers from epilepsy and type 2 diabetes.
Gary is 5ft 2ins tall, has short hair and walks with a distinctive limp.
Mr Newlands added: "Clearly given Gary’s health conditions the length of time he has been missing is extremely concerning and the longer things go on without news the more troubling his disappearance is.
"We are hitting peak holiday season and I would ask anyone travelling to Lanzarote over the coming weeks to keep an eye out for Gary on their travels and get in touch with the Spanish police if they see anything they think might be useful to their investigation."
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