THE family of Liam Colgan has thanked the public for their help and support “for a final time” as his body touches down in Scotland ahead of his funeral.

The 29-year-old, from Inverness, disappeared in the early hours of February 10 during celebrations for his brother Eamonn’s stag do in the German city of Hamburg.

A large-scale search was led by his family and German police, and his body was recovered 72 days later from the River Elbe in the city on April 23.

READ MORE: Body of missing Scot Liam Colgan recovered from Hamburg river

Hundreds of family, friends and loved ones are expected to descend on Inverness tomorrow to bid the Royal Mail worked a final farewell.

In an emotional message on the Help Find Liam Colgan Facebook page, his family said they “will be forever grateful” for everyone’s “phenomenal” efforts during the search.

The full statement read: “For a final time, the family and friends of Liam Colgan would like to thank everyone for their help, support and kind messages both during the period that Liam was missing and following the tragic discovery of Liam’s body.

READ MORE: German cops confirm results of post mortem of tragic Liam Colgan

“The effort and generosity in helping us spread the story and assisting with the search for Liam was nothing short of phenomenal and for this we will be forever grateful.

“Liam’s body has returned home from Hamburg and his funeral is taking place this coming Friday in his hometown of Inverness.

“For those who still wish to contribute in any way, the family have requested for no flowers but rather a donation page has been created in Liam’s memory.

READ MORE: The tragic search for missing Liam Colgan

“All money raised will go to the Lucie Blackman Trust, a charity that helps other families in similar situations.

“The page can be found at imoliamcolgan.raisely.com. All donations would be kindly appreciated.

“If anyone has reason to make contact regarding Liam, please email Matt Searle at the Lucie Blackman Trust at matt@lbtrust.org.

“Thank you.”

Liam’s funeral will take place at John Fraser & Son on May 11 at 1pm and it is open to the public.