Concerns were raised last night over the safety of a missing man in the Highlands whose disappearance sparked an extensive air, land and sea search.
A small flotilla of rescue boats joined a specialist police search team and rescue dogs combing an area around Ballachulish Bridge, south of Fort William, in the search for the man.
He had apparently abandoned his car on the A82 Inverness-Glasgow route, just south of the Lochaber village, early yesterday.
Police coordinated the search for Scott Clarke, 41, who was reported missing from the Birmingham area.
It is understood that he may have driven directly to Ballachulish from his home in the West Midlands, possibly through the night.
The alarm was raised after his black, “56”-registered Ford Focus was found seemingly abandoned at the roadside.
The force appealed for anyone who may have seen a man matching Mr Clarke’s description to contact them urgently.
Police issued his photograph and a limited description, saying he is “slim, with brown hair”.
It is not known what he was wearing when he disappeared.
He is thought to have travelled alone.
Police said they did not believe Mr Clarke had driven north for the purpose of a walking or climbing trip.
A spokesman for the force said: “There is increasing concern for his wellbeing.”
Anyone with information about his possible whereabouts is urged to call the police on 101.
Much of the focus of the search was woodland near Ballachulish Bridge.
A police helicopter joined teams on the ground weaving their way through trees and rough ground in the surrounding area.
Coastguard crews scoured Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, either side of the crossing.
The local Coastguard crew joined the search around the village at 9am with the assistance of the Oban lifeboat.
On its return from the Ballachulish incident, the Oban crew was called to help a diver who had taken unwell.
The crew helped to transport the casualty to an awaiting ambulance. He was not identified.
Mr Clarke’s relatives were being kept informed of the police operation.
The search, which began before 9am continued throughout the day and was expected to resume at first light today. (FRI)
