Police drones were flown above a north-east town yesterday as searches continued for a man who went missing at the weekend.
Ruairidh Sandison, who was yesterday described as a “very popular young man”, was last seen at about 4.20am on Saturday in the Gadle Braes area of Peterhead.
After scouring CCTV, police spotted the 24-year-old in the same coastal street at 5.10am.
Mr Sandison had been on a night out in the town before vanishing.
Yesterday specially trained officers launched the force’s remotely piloted aircraft systems over Peterhead.
Divers called in as search for north-east man who vanished after night out intensifies
There had been concerns the weather would keep the drones on the ground but they were able to take off after conditions cleared.
The new police resource was introduced in the north-east earlier this year to help officers searching in difficult terrain.
The officer leading the investigation, Inspector Gareth Hannan, said: “Extensive searches have been ongoing since Ruairidh was reported missing and these searches continue – led by local police with the assistance of specialist resources including search advisers and the dive and marine unit.
“We will also have valuable support from the specialist team which is trained in using Police Scotland’s remotely piloted aircraft systems, which will enhance our search capabilities over the more challenging and difficult terrain we are dealing with.
“This is in addition to the air support that has already been provided by Police Scotland’s helicopter, providing the search team with enhanced aerial views.
“Coastline and water searches also continue and I would like to thank our partners for their help.”
The alarm was raised after Mr Sandison’s light blue denim jacket was found in a park in Gadle Braes hours after he was last seen.
Police launched an appeal for information on Sunday morning and have so far concentrated their search along the shore.
Inspector Hannan added: “It is evident Ruairidh is a very popular young man and that many people care about him.”
Friends of Mr Sandison have been assisting search efforts, looking on the coastline further north.
Plans were formed yesterday to meet at Scotstown Beach and head in the direction of Rattray.
The local Coastguard service advised the volunteer search parties to remain in groups of four, keep in regular communication and to make sure people knew where they were going and when they expected to be back.
They were also encouraged to stay away from cliff edges or areas of poor footing, and to be aware of the tide to avoid becoming cut off.
Mr Sandison is around 6ft tall, slim and has ginger hair.
When last seen he was wearing a white jumper, black jeans and white trainers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting reference number 2611 of August 10.
