Groups of volunteers took to beaches and coastlines surrounding Peterhead yesterday in their bid to trace missing man Ruairidh Sandison.
The 24-year-old disappeared after a night out last Saturday and was last seen by a taxi driver around 4.20am on August 10 in the Gadle Braes area of Peterhead.
Police searches uncovered CCTV footage of Mr Sandison, still in the same area of the town at around 5.10am that morning.
However, despite the release of leaflets and posters, a Facebook campaign and multi-agency efforts, he has not been seen or heard from in the intervening period and police have now started to scale down their search operations.
Shaun Wilson has been friends with Mr Sandison since they were teenagers together at secondary school in Peterhead and was among those scouring the coastline.
He said he is hoping for the best in the search for his missing comrade and admitted he was “extremely worried” about Mr Sandison.
“We are continuing our searches with groups at Ugie beach, Sandford beach, Boddam and Cruden Bay beach,” Mr Wilson added.
“Ruairidh’s friends and family would like to thank everyone who has shared our posts on social media, distributed posters and helped with the continued searches.
“Police searches have been downsized, so the overwhelming support we have received from the community is vital now more than ever.
“I’ve known Ruairidh for 13 years, we met at secondary school.
“It’s been one week since Ruairidh was last seen, so we’re all obviously extremely worried about him.
“We are just making sure that we do all we can and would again like to say thank you for the amazing support we’ve received from the community.”
Mr Sandison is described as being around 5ft 11in, of slim build and with ginger hair.
When last seen, he was wearing a light grey coloured cable-knit jumper from River Island, a pale yellow t-shirt with a black graphic and text that reads “MISTY”, black jeans and white shoes. He was also wearing clear glasses.
Police searches have continued through the last week, with a dedicated team of officers searching for Mr Sandison.
The Peterhead Community Policing Team has been leading efforts with assistance from specialist resources including search advisers, the dive and marine unit, air support and the group trained in using Police Scotland’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
Meanwhile, the Facebook appeal page run by family and friends now has more than 3,700 likes, with people wishing searchers luck and delivering heartfelt messages.
