Urgent search for missing monk last seen hiking in Scottish Highlands

Susanna Siddell
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:57:45 +0000

Police have launched an urgent search for a missing monk after he was seen hiking in the Scottish Highlands.

The holy man who vanished island monastery in Orkney is now presumed to have died, church officials have said.

New Zealand native, Justin Evans, 24, went by the name Brother Ignatius within his Redemptorist Community based at Golgotha Monastery on Papa Stronsay.

He was last spotted at the monastery shortly before midnight on Saturday.

The Diocese of Aberdeen has since expressed "deep sadness" at the "disappearance and presumed death" of Mr Evans.

A spokesman for the Diocese said: "It is believed that he came to harm in conditions involving the sea."

Nevertheless, Police Scotland has confirmed searches would continue across Papa Stronsay and nearby islands.

Officers confirmed there was nothing indicating "any suspicious circumstances or criminality" in connection with his disappearance.

Inspector David Hall said: "Our thoughts are very much with Justin's family at what is a very difficult time."

He added: "Extensive and detailed searches using local police resources and partner agencies have been carried out on the islands of Papa Stronsay and Stronsay."

The inspector confirmed that coastal areas on other nearby islands would continue to be searched by local and specialist police resources and partners.

Police Scotland has ruled out foul play in the case.

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Search efforts have predominantly zoned in on the small island where the monastery is located, as well as the neighbouring island of Stronsay.

So far, both islands have been thoroughly searched.

The monastery where Evans lived sits has sat on the remote island for more than two decades, with the Catholic monastic order acquired Papa Stronsay over a quarter of a century ago.

Prior to relocating to Orkney, the community had been established on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

There, the monks raised an incredible £200,000 to complete the purchase of the remote Scottish island by the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer back in 1999.

Golgotha Monastery has served as the home of the Redemptorist Community ever since.

Papa Stronsay is one of the smaller islands in the group, situated close to the larger island of Stronsay.

The current population of the remote community is around 26, made up entirely of the monastery's monks.