Residents of a remote Orkney island have been asked to check outbuildings for signs of a man last seen more than a week ago.
Sergei Ivanov was last seen on Monday, April 3 near his home on Papa Westray.
He was declared missing on Sunday, sparking a major search operation with police saying it was “out of character” for the 55-year-old to be out of contact with family and friends.
The island has a population of around 90 – and police last night urged residents to help with the search.
Police revealed yesterday that the Russian-born artist was last seen walking on a road near his home towards the south of the island.
Police and coastguard teams have been carrying out land and coastline searches.
These continued yesterday, though they were hampered slightly by bad weather.
Inspector Keith Bendall said: “Coastline and land searches have been carried out and police have been assisted by the coastguard including the use of the helicopter.
“As time goes by we are increasingly worried for Sergei’s welfare and it is out of character for him not to be in touch with family and friends.
“We would urge anyone who may have information to contact police as a matter of urgency on 101.
“The community has supported police and we would like to thank them for that.
“In addition we would ask people to check any sheds or outbuildings they have for signs that someone may have sought shelter there. The forecast is poor for today with high winds however we will continue searches where possible.”
When last seen, Mr Ivanov was wearing a black jumper, black trousers, black work boots and a long black coat down to below his knees.
He is described as being around 5ft 10in in height and of medium build with long grey hair.
Mr Ivanov is understood to have lived on the island for more than a decade and hosts the regular Gyro Nights arts festival on Papa Westray.
He previously made headlines after his then teenage daughter Ekaterina Ivanova was involved in an affair with Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood in 2008.