Relatives of a man missing in the Highlands for three weeks have issued a further passionate plea for help to trace him.
Jason Gates, a 36-year-old accountant who works for his family’s recruitment agency in Portsmouth, disappeared on March 17 – a few days after his treasured spaniel attacked and killed a number of sheep in a field near the centre of Drumnadrochit.
The micro-chipped pet, Max, has since been cared for by an animal sanctuary.
Mr Gates had been on holiday in the Highlands. He abandoned his luxury Audi car near the village’s tourist information office.
He was known to have been under some work pressure and had taken time out for a walking break.
His father Malcolm, 67, mother Lesley, 63, sister Alison, 37, and brother Simon, 40, are desperate to hear from him.
Mr Gates said his son had recently become “nocturnal,” and that working at night had affected his sleep pattern.
It is understood that his bank account has not been accessed in three weeks.
In their latest statement on his disappearance, his family said: “We’re increasingly anxious.
“We’d like to appeal to Jason directly. If you can see this message, please make contact so we know you’re okay. We just want you to be safe and to be reunited as a family.
“We reiterate our thanks to everyone involved in the search. Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, may assist in bringing Jason back to us and so we would urge anyone who can help to get in touch.”
Inspector Ian Graham said officers were continuing to search the area where Mr Gates was last seen and reaffirmed the appeal for anyone in the area or with knowledge of his whereabouts to call the force on 101.
Mr Gates, who is single, is about 6ft 3in tall, slim with short, cropped greying hair and often has facial stubble.
He often wears black jeans, T-shirts and a black padded or tweed jacket. He may be wearing walking boots.
His disappearance sparked extensive searches on land, in local waterways and from above by rescue helicopter.
Police earlier issued an image of a baseball cap, possibly red or maroon, that Mr Gates may have been wearing, bearing the logo “BRXTN”.
There is footage of him on CCTV in Inverness on March 14, wearing a yellow outdoor jacket.
He had been staying at the Hilton in Aviemore, where police have subsequently found his paperwork and his laptop.
