A north-east man who was missing for four days has been traced and transported to hospital.
Police launched a major search involving dogs to look for 51-year-old Alexander Bain.
An air search was also used after Mr Bain was reported missing from his home in Alford on Wednesday afternoon and posters were put up in the local area.
But on Saturday officers confirmed he had been traced safe and well in Tough but was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) as a precautionary measure.
Inspector Graeme Allan thanked members of the public for their cooperation.
He said: “This was a complex and prolonged search operation.
“The response from members of the public and the local community has been overwhelming.
“Individual reports along with dash cam footage have been vital in helping us coordinate inquiries, making appeals and carrying out police searches.
“A team of officers have been working around the clock to trace Alec but in these situations, we rely on the media and the public for help and it’s thanks to members of the public checking outbuildings that he was traced.
He added: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience while officers and specialist resources including the Police Scotland helicopter, searchers and dog units carried out enquiries in the area.
“Given the size and terrain of the area to be searched, it was essential to draw on the expertise of local officers as well as colleagues from across the country.”
