The search continues this morning for missing Kiltarlity man James Paton, with many members of the community taking a break from their festivities to help.
Mr Paton, 72, was reported missing in the afternoon of Monday December 23, when he went to Ruttle Woods, some three miles from his home, to walk his dog.
Police say his dog was in his car, a blue Dacia Duster, when it was found around 4.30pm that afternoon.
Yesterday a massive air and land search took place in the area, focusing on the Fanellan and Ruttle areas of the wood.
It involved 21 members of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team working alongside HM Coastguard helicopter 151 from Inverness as well as by dog handlers from Police Scotland and SARDA Scotland.
Today the police search resumed at 8.30am, with members of the Paton family co-ordinating a a community search at 9.15am at the Fanellan bottling plant for a sweep of sections of the woods.
They have asked the public to liaise closely with the police.
Mr Paton is described as 5ft 5ins with a grey beard and hair. He also wears glasses.
It is thought he was wearing a black and red checked shirt and usually wears blue jeans or black work trousers.
Inspector Les Davidson said the police are increasingly concerned about Mr Paton.
He said: “This is completely out of character.
“He was known to walk in the wooded area where his car was found but his family believe that he would have stuck to recognised paths.
“If anyone was out walking in the area and saw Mr Paton I would urge them to get in touch.”
Anyone with information can call the police on 101 quoting incident number 3111/23rd December.
