Police Scotland confirms that convicted Highland rapist has been traced; Invergordon man Derek Ray Mackay had disappeared earlier this week while still subject to a court order, sparking police warnings not to approach him

A CONVICTED rapist whose disappearance sparked a police search was traced earlier today, officers have confirmed.

Officers launched an appeal for help tracing Derek Ray Mackay (33), from Invergordon, earlier this week after he vanished while still subject to a court order.

He was previously jailed for four years and three months in 2013 after he raped a 30-year-old woman in Ross-shire.

After he disappeared, police warned that he was considered a risk to the public and urged anyone who spotted him not to approach but to call the authorities.

Speaking at the time, Detective Inspector Craig Still said that "considerable and extensive efforts" were being put into locating him.

And shortly before 5pm today, police announced that he had now been traced.

A spokesman said: "Thank you to everyone who assisted with our previous appeal for assistance."