A 56-year-old man from Elgin in Moray, identified as Colin Alexander Ross Scott, has been missing in Rome since the evening of 14 August 2025, according to his fiancée Anabella Mcallister. He vanished up a side street near the Pantheon while the couple were spending their first night in the Italian capital on holiday.
According to STV News, the disappearance occurred at around 10pm as the pair walked from Via Minerva towards Piazza della Rotonda, the square where the Pantheon stands. Mcallister has said that Scott was left disoriented by a combination of medication and heat, and that he does not have his phone, wallet, or the name of their hotel with him.
What exactly happened that night?
Mcallister has explained that she paused briefly to take a photograph while the couple were near the landmark, and in that short time Scott turned up a side street and could not be found again once she followed.
He was in a bit of an unsteady state due to medication and heat.
He has no phone or wallet with him and probably forgets the name of the hotel.
What was meant to be a dream holiday has turned into a nightmare.
Why is this area of Rome significant to the search?
The Pantheon is among Rome's most recognisable landmarks and sits within a densely packed historic quarter threaded with narrow side streets, according to a Rome travel guide. This layout, combined with heavy tourist footfall around Piazza della Rotonda, can make it difficult to track someone who becomes separated from a companion even briefly.
Who is involved in the response?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is supporting Scott's family and remains in contact with authorities in Italy, according to STV News. Mcallister has asked that anyone who spots Scott get in touch with police at Via Farini on 06 4620 391, or with the Marcella Royal Hotel on Via Flavia on 06 4201 4591, as reported by the same outlet. A national broadcaster's Scottish news service has also approached Italy's state police for comment.
What happens next?
Police in Rome are continuing their search for Scott, with no confirmed sightings reported so far, according to STV News. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has said it will continue liaising with local authorities as the search progresses.
Key Facts
- Colin Alexander Ross Scott, 56, from Elgin in Moray, went missing near the Pantheon in Rome on the evening of 14 August 2025.
- He disappeared around 10pm after walking from Via Minerva towards Piazza della Rotonda with fiancée Anabella Mcallister.
- He has no phone, wallet, or knowledge of his hotel's name, and may be disoriented due to medication and heat.
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the family and liaising with Italian authorities.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Via Farini (06 4620 391) or the Marcella Royal Hotel (06 4201 4591).
