The couple who first raised the alarm about their missing 90-year-old neighbour William Ritchie have made an impassioned plea for him to come forward.
Mr Ritchie was last seen on Friday and Flo and Robbie Lawrence said it was out of character for the well-known but private OAP to disappear.
Police diving teams joined the hunt for the keen walker yesterday, making checks along ditches of the A981 Fraserburgh to Strichen road.
Divers join extensive searches for missing Fraserburgh pensioner
Last night, Mrs Lawrence called on him to “come back safe” but added that as the days pass her hopes are fading.
“I am getting worried now,” she added.
“This is not like Bill. He does not do things like this.
“We are hoping he turns up safe and well, but things do not look great.
“It is getting to me and I am thinking ‘come on Bill, where are you?’”.
Mr Lawrence described Mr Ritchie as private but always very cordial.
He said: “You couldn’t really have a conversation with him, but he would always say good morning.
“He is a very nice man.”
Specialists stepped up their search yesterday and turned their attention to the road that links Fraserburgh and Strichen as the latest cold snap hit the north-east.
They looked in trenches that line either side of the route, but were ultimately unsuccessful in tracing Mr Ritchie.
Efforts will continue today.
Fraserburgh inspector Kevin Goldie said: “It has been three days since Mr Ritchie was reported missing and our concerns for him increase every day.
“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.”
The last potential sighting of Mr Ritchie was at around 3.30pm on Friday afternoon when was seen heading towards the town’s Asda supermarket.
Mr Ritchie is described as being around 5ft7, of slim build, with short grey hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101.
