Emergency services and community members are out in force again today searching for a missing Kiltarlity man.
James Paton, 72, was last seen about 1.30pm on Monday near his home, having gone for a walk with his dog.
He was reported missing after his car, a blue Dacia Duster, was found around 4.30pm in Ruttle Woods.
Police say the vehicle was found about three miles away parked on a track with the dog inside. There was, however, no trace of Mr Paton.
Searches involving Dundonell Mountain Rescue Team, Inverness coastguard helicopter 151, and dog handlers from Police Scotland and SARDA Scotland have already taken place, and are continuing today.
More than 100 community members gave up their festivities yesterday to scour part of the dense woods at Fanellan and are doing the same today in a different area of the woods.
In an overwhelming show of support, locals have offered use of their working dogs, drones and other equipment to the Paton family who are co-ordinating the public search behind the emergency services.
Inspector Mark Czerniakiewicz, from Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness urged resident to check their land and outbuildings.
He said: “Officers have been searching the Ruttle Woods area over the last three days, including specialist search units, dogs, and our partners from Dundonnel Mountain Rescue Team, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and the HM Coastguard helicopter.
“We have also had the invaluable assistance of the local community, with around 110 volunteers carrying out searches on Christmas Day and a similar number out in force today.
“We would ask local residents to check their land and outbuildings at this time, as well as urging anyone with information about James’s whereabouts to get in touch as soon as possible.”
