A body recovered on the north-east coast is believed to be that of missing 22-year-old Lachlan Simpson.
Police said the remains discovered at Whitehills harbour by Banff, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday have yet to be formally identified but Mr Simpson's family have been informed.
The chef, from the village of Embo in the Highlands, was last seen leaving a dance in Dornoch in the early hours of Sunday July 26.
Hundreds of volunteers joined police search teams in the days following his disappearance.
A family statement said: "Police Scotland has kept us informed of the discovery of a body and they will continue to keep us updated on progress.
"We want to thank the public for their support during the search for Lachlan and would ask that our privacy be respected whilst these enquiries are carried out."
Police dogs, the coastguard and an RAF mountain rescue team are all assisting in the hunt for Mr Simpson.
A police spokesman said: "Following initial examination of the body recovered at Whitehills harbour, Banff, early indications are that it may be that of the missing person Lachlan Simpson.
"Formal identification has still to be concluded and officers from Aberdeenshire and the Highlands are working closely with the procurator fiscal's office.
"Lachlan Simpson's family have been kept fully informed of developments and officers will continue to support them."
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