Police divers are helping in the search for a 90-year-old man missing for five days in freezing conditions.
Concern is growing for William Ritchie, who was last seen by neighbours in the West Road area of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, at about noon on Friday.
A major search is under way to find Mr Ritchie, known as Bill, who was reported missing on Sunday.
William Ritchie has gone missing from his Aberdeenshire home (Police Scotland/PA)
Police Scotland’s dog and dive units have been drafted in to help scour potential routes the 90-year-old might have taken, focusing on the A981 which runs from Strichen to Fraserburgh.
Officers are appealing for information.
Inspector Kevin Goldie said: “It has been three days since Mr Ritchie was reported missing to police and our concerns for him increase every day.
“This is before we start taking into account the current unfavourable weather conditions we are currently dealing with, what with the snow that fell overnight and freezing temperatures.
“Search teams are continuing with their efforts this morning, focusing on the A981 which runs from Fraserburgh to Strichen.
“A dive unit will also be assisting to thoroughly check the harder to reach verges at the side of the road.
“Once again I would appeal to anyone who saw Mr Ritchie going as far back as the past couple of weeks to please get in touch as we continue to build a picture of his daily life.
“He is clearly a well-kent face in the area and there has been a great deal of support from the local community so far to help find him.”
Mr Ritchie regularly walked in and around the town and was known on occasion to have walked as far as Strichen and Memsie.
He is described as around 5ft 7, of slim build, and has short grey hair.
It is not known what he is wearing when he went missing, but he usually wears a three-quarter-length black jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2549 of January 14.