Search for missing man comes to a tragic end as body is found

The body of a well-known local publican and businessman was discovered in the Forth and Clyde Canal near Bainsford this week.
Neil MolloyNeil Molloy
Neil Molloy

Neil Molloy (69), from Falkirk, had gone missing on Thursday, July 7, and was last seen boarding the number six bus at Forth Valley Royal Hospital bound for Falkirk Bus Station at around 1.45pm that day. It is believed he got off in Main Street, Bainsford.

A member of the public raised the alarm on Monday afternoon after making the grim discovery and emergency services recovered his body from the water near Lock Six at around 3pm.

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On Tuesday, Police Scotland confirmed the body recovered from the canal was Mr Molloy. His next of kin were informed of the tragedy and asked for privacy so they could mourn their loss.

Sergeant Andrew Wright, based at Grangemouth police station, said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of my officers are with Neil’s family and we will continue to offer them support as and when they need it.

“We are currently treating Neil’s death as unexplained, however there are no suspicious circumstances at this time. I’d also like to thank to members of the public who came forward and assisted us with this inquiry.”

Mr Molloy, who was described as a “true gentleman”, worked with Scottish and Newcastle Brewery before taking up the post of licensee at Polmont’s Claremont Inn.

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He took over the licence for Falkirk High Street pub Tropix when Jack Jenkins retired in 2010 and was there when the premises changed its name to Cheerz Bar a few years later.

The pub led tributes online to Mr Molloy, posting: “Sad day when Cheerz Bar loses one of our very own originals. Thoughts are with his family and friends R.I.P Neily.”

The Falkirk Herald’s Facebook page also contained scores of messages of condolence for Mr Molloy and his family.

Lynne Whitaker: “A true gentleman in every sense of the word.”

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Ashlea Fletcher: “I worked with Neil and he was a lovely man. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Ian Rhind: “Sad news. I had a few pints with Neil before, when he had Cheerz. Nice guy.”

Terry McCormack: “A nice fella who always chatted away when we were in Cheerz for a pint. R.I.P Neil.”