Family's agony over disappearance of Castlemilk man Barry McCullagh

Barry McCullagh was spotted leaving the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley on October 5 and hasn't been seen since.

His sister Stacey has told how family members are now conducting their own daily searches for the 41-year-old - and believe that someone holds key information on his whereabouts.

It’s the second tragedy to hit the family in a short space of time after sibling Brian, 42, passed away last month - just 13 days after his brother vanished.

Barry and Brian McCullagh (Image: Newsquest)

Stacey, 38, exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “We are heartbroken. We just want Barry to come home safe and well.

"Someone must know something. It’s impossible for a person to just vanish from the face of the earth without any trace.

“We lost our brother Brian after his health suddenly deteriorated. He passed away less than two weeks after Barry's disappearance.

"We need him home so that we can grieve together as a family. We never imagined we’d be in this situation and we are all struggling to cope.

“I can’t eat or sleep for worrying that something awful has happened to him or where he could be. I don’t know if he’s lying somewhere injured or in a vulnerable state. The uncertainty is tearing me apart.

“Every time the phone rings we are hoping it’s him or someone with good news. It’s getting harder and harder for us to stay positive as the days and weeks go by."

The dad-of-two from Castlemilk was taken to hospital after becoming unwell and suffering a seizure. He was receiving treatment and appeared in good spirits before he was seen walking out of the RAH's front doors.

After leaving the hospital, Barry was spotting heading towards the Lonsdale pub in Paisley, an area he is unfamiliar with.

Stacey, also from Castlemilk, explained: “It’s completely out of character for him to go missing. He’s never done this sort of thing before and we are worried sick.

“He doesn’t know Paisley. In fact, he rarely left Castlemilk. He was always happy-go-lucky, never a bother to anyone and never had any real problems.

“He doted on his kids. Family means everything to him. We expected him home from hospital once he was feeling better. We never imagined he’d just up and leave in the manner he did.

“It’s just not like him, and in my heart I believe he’s out there lost and confused. The weather is getting colder, and anything could happen. I lie awake at night going over it all and thinking about where he might be.

“It’s been a tough time for our family. We lost Brian, and we have no idea where Barry is. Our lives are in complete turmoil and we have no answers to any of this."

Along with police searches, the family has also taken to the streets of Paisley and neighboring areas in the hope of turning up clues as to where Barry may be.

They are asking members of the public to be vigilant and describe him as 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build, with short black hair. When last seen, he was wearing navy jogging trousers, a black jumper with a zip, and silver trainers.

Stacey told how her parents Elizabeth, 64, and dad Brian, 63, sit by the phone hoping to hear from their son.

She added: “It’s been awful for them. Every time the phone rings my mum is on tenterhooks hoping it will be Barry. She’s had the same number for years and he knows it off by heart.

“We just need answers and some closure. Not knowing where he is or why he has gone is what is the most difficult part of all of this to deal with. We’ve been out searching most days, putting up posters and contacting everyone we can think of who may have come into contact with Barry.

“I would beg him if he reads this story to come home. He needs to know that we love and miss him.

"If anyone knows anything, please get in touch with the police or reach out to us as a family. I just need to know my brother is okay and I won’t give up until Barry is home.

“Our sister April's baby is due soon and I know he will want to meet the little one.”

Sergeant Will Thomson, from Paisley Police Station, said: “Despite a previous appeal and a number of enquiries, we have not yet been able to trace Barry.

"We have issued a CCTV image of him and I hope that people who remember seeing him will get in touch with us.

“It is totally out of character for him not to keep in contact with his family and friends, and as time passes we are becoming very concerned for his safety and wellbeing.

"Searches are continuing and officers are being assisted by specialist search advisors.

“I would urge anyone who has seen him, or anyone with information on his whereabouts, to contact officers through 101."