Searches are continuing in the Brodie area of Moray today for missing Aberdeen man Wayne MacMillan.
The 45-year-old was reported missing on Friday September 7 after friends raised concerns that they had not heard from him.
Today, a team of specialist officers are focusing on a vast expanse of land stretching out from a bus stop near Brodie Countryfare where Wayne was last seen departing a Stagecoach bus number 10 bus service at around 1pm on Saturday.
The bus stop is situated around 200m east of the store on the A96.
It is believed that he had been travelling between Inverness and Aberdeen during that week, but from Saturday afternoon onwards there have been no confirmed sightings of him.
He has not been in touch with anyone since then either.
A search operation led by specialist officers is now in its second day, with a significant expanse of ground being scoured.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay, who is leading inquiries, said: “The ground we are currently searching is extremely challenging in places in particular near Brodie Castle where the terrain is uneven and overgrown.
“There are also easier routes and fields which I know dog walkers or tourists often use and I would urge anyone who has noticed signs of someone sleeping outdoors – or signs of any activity at all – to get in touch as soon as possible.
“It will be one week tomorrow since Wayne was reported missing to the police and as more time passes we grow increasingly concerned for him.
“He is described as being around 6ft tall, has a tattoo of a face on the rear of his head, has a stud piercing under his bottom lip and both his ear lobes are stretched.
“With such distinctive features I would hope that members of the public who have seen him would remember him and therefore urge anyone with information to please get in touch by contacting police on 101 quoting missing person ref. no. MP180902922.
“I would also ask anyone who lives in the Brodie area to check any outbuildings, garages or sheds if you haven’t done so already incase he has taken shelter. When last seen he was wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers or dark blue jeans and should be carrying a rucksack.
“Wayne is known to regularly stay in Inverness and we can’t rule out that he has managed to get back there somehow.
“If any of his acquaintances have seen him or know where he might be, let us know. We also don’t believe that Wayne has a phone with him and would ask that if he sees or hears this appeal in a local newspaper or on the radio to get in touch as soon as possible to let us know you are safe and well.”
