Search Intensifies for Missing New Zealand Monk on Remote Scottish Isle

Police Scotland and the Coastguard are searching for 24-year-old New Zealander Justin Evans, who vanished from a remote monastery on the island of Papa Stronsay.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Disappearance from Golgotha Monastery

Justin Evans, described as 1.8 meters tall with short hair, a dark beard, and a distinct New Zealand accent, was last seen wearing a white monastic robe. The search has entered its fourth day, with authorities focusing on the rugged terrain of Papa Stronsay and the surrounding waters. A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed on Wednesday that searches are ongoing, though they declined to provide specifics regarding who first alerted emergency services to the disappearance.

The Golgotha Monastery is home to The Sons of The Most Holy Redeemer, a traditionalist Catholic order that has been present on the island for twenty-five years. The community is known for its rigorous monastic life, though members are frequently seen in the neighboring town of Kirkwall for supplies. The sudden disappearance of a member from such a structured environment has caused significant concern within the small, tight-knit community.

Geography and Connectivity of Papa Stronsay

Despite its reputation as a remote retreat, Papa Stronsay is not entirely isolated from the rest of the world. Dr. Stephen Clackson, an Orkney Islands Council member, explained that the monks operate a small boat that connects them to the village of Whitehall on the larger island of Stronsay. From Whitehall, regular ferry services and occasional flights provide transit to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.

This connectivity introduces various possibilities for investigators, as Evans could have theoretically accessed transport to leave the island. However, given he was last seen in traditional monastic robes late at night, the immediate focus remains on the island’s perimeter and the treacherous coastal environment. Clackson noted that while the monks are visible members of the community, they are often known by their monastic names rather than their birth names, which can sometimes slow the identification process in public spaces.