A police search for a pensioner missing since December has been scaled down.
William Ritchie was reported missing by concerned neighbours in January, but CCTV footage later revealed that his last known sighting was just days before Christmas.
Since then, massive search operations have focused on the areas around his Fraserburgh home and popular walking routes the 90-year-old, known as Bill, was known to take.
Officers were also posted to a local supermarket where Mr Ritchie was last seen in an effort to jog people’s memories.
A helicopter was even drafted in to help trace him.
But to date no trace of Mr Ritchie has ever been found.
And last night, a spokeswoman for the police revealed that active searches were no longer taking place.
Instead, officers are relying on members of the public to come forward with new information to prompt fresh searches.
She said: “Efforts are still ongoing on an intelligence-led basis.
“Officers are reacting to any information or intelligence coming through and searching specific areas.”
Since the investigation started, “numerous people” have reportedly contacted officers confirming they saw Mr Ritchie in the days following New Year.
His neighours, who first raised the alarm, called for him to return home following his disappearance.
Flo and Robbie Lawrence said it was “out of character” for the OAP to go missing.
Mrs Lawrence said: “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 Ritchie is described as being around 5ft 7in, of a slim build, with short grey hair.
It is not known what he is wearing when he went missing, however he usually wears a three-quarter length black jacket or a waterproof jacket with the hood up, and a flat cap hat.
