Several coastguard and lifeboat teams are carrying out a search for a missing man near the Isle of Rum.
Rescuers are searching for Andrew Samuel, known as Andy, who has not been seen for more than two days.
Coastguards received a call at 9.50pm on Thursday about concerns for a missing person in the area.
The call came in from a member of the public after they realised the 59-year-old had not moved his yacht to another location as expected.
Mr Samuel, from Fife, was last seen at midnight on Tuesday going from his yacht to his dinghy off Kinloch at the Isle of Rum.
At the time, he was wearing a burgundy top and light coloured trousers.
Nobody has been found on the yacht but a dinghy thought to be his was found in the area on Thursday.
Mr Samuel, described as being 5ft 7ins tall with grey hair, has not been in contact with friends or family.
Police have now launched an appeal for information.
‘Extensive search’ still ongoing
Mallaig lifeboat and coastguard team, as well as a helicopter, were called out to the Inner Hebrides isle on Thursday evening.
Launched from Tobermory, Strathclyde about twenty minutes ago – https://t.co/HyZyCeBuGH
— RNLI: Out On A Shout (@outonashout) September 2, 2022
The search was carried out throughout the night and Tobermory lifeboat was launched at around 3am to assist.
A coastguard spokeswoman said they were carrying out an “extensive search” around the Isle of Rum, south of Skye and the other Small Isles on Friday morning.
Another five coastguard teams were launched from Uig, Dunvegan, Kyle of Lochalsh, the Isle of Muck and Canna to help with the search.
Inspector Isla Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with Andy’s family at this difficult time. Officers are currently conducting searches alongside partner agencies in attempts to trace him.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may have seen Andy or the dinghy around that area since Tuesday night to get in touch with police.
“If you live in the island communities nearby, please check your outhouses in case Andy has taken shelter there. Similarly I would ask skippers to keep an eye out and check shorelines.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 3866 of September 1.
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