Human bones found in remote American woods confirmed as remains of missing Scot

John Gillies, 63, from Kirkintilloch, vanished in the US nearly six years ago.

Human bones found in a remote American woodland have been confirmed as the remains of a missing Scottish camper. The discovery was made near Sweetwater Gap in Wyoming by forest workers in September last year.

After DNA was collected from Scotland, detectives were able to confirm the remains belonged to missing John Gillies, who is from Kirkintilloch. The 63-year-old was reported missing after camping at the spot around six years ago.

During grim excavations, investigators located personal belongings at the scene, including Mr Gillies’ identification card. A spokesperson for the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office said: “In September 2025, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of human remains located near Sweetwater Gap.

“Following an approximately 10-month investigation, the SCSO has positively identified the remains as John Gillies. The investigation spanned two countries and included the assistance of Interpol, Scotland Law Enforcement and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory.

“Due to the condition and the location of the remains, a coordinated secondary search was conducted on Sept. 10, involving members of the SCSO, Sublette County Search and Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service. On June 30th, 2026, investigators received confirmation from the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory that the remains were biologically related to both family reference samples collected in Scotland, positively identifying the decedent as John Gillies.

“Later that same day, investigators contacted Mr Gillies’ family to notify them that their loved one had been positively identified after nearly a year of investigation. In one message to investigators, Mr Gillies’ ex-wife wrote, ‘I wanted you to know he was more than bones’.

“Her compassion and willingness to assist provided invaluable insight during the investigation and served as a powerful reminder that every unidentified person is someone’s loved one. At the family’s request, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and the Sublette County Coroner’s Office are now working with Interpol to coordinate the return of Mr Gillies’ remains to Scotland so he may finally be laid to rest at home.”

Mr Gillies’ identity was confirmed following work from several forces, including Police Scotland, the Interpol and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement International Bureau. Arrangements were made to obtain DNA reference samples from Mr Gillies’ relatives.

It’s currently unknown if Mr Gillies was reported missing by his family or how his remains came to be in the remote wilderness. Sublette County Sheriff K.C. Lehr added: “This case is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and the strength of partnerships that extend well beyond our county and even our nation’s borders.

“What began as the discovery of unidentified remains in a remote area of Wyoming ultimately brought together local, state, federal, and international partners with one shared goal—to give a family answers. We are grateful to everyone who played a role in helping bring John home.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.