Hopes missing walker is well and unaware of police search in Highlands after car found near outdoor centre

There are hopes that a missing man from the Derby area could be visiting bothies in the Cairngorms and is unaware of on-going efforts to trace him.

Hillwalkers and mountaineers are being asked to keep an eye out for Jonathan Knutton.

Police Scotland and their counterparts in Derbyshire have been appealing for information on the whereabout of Mr Knutton who was last seen on Christmas Day at around 8.30pm in Mackworth.

His distinctive silver Citroen DS3 was found earlier this week in the area of Badaguish Outdoor Centre by Glenmore.

The vehicle has a purple roof and a registration starting HJ63.

Derbyshire Police have said: "Jonathan was gifted a book on Christmas Day entitled Bothy Tales so it is thought that he may have travelled to the Scottish Highlands to trek in remote locations and could potentially be sleeping in bothies."

Mr Knutton is described as white, 6ft tall with short brown hair and wears glasses. He was last seen wearing a smart blue winter coat, jeans and a dark grey hat.

Anyone who has seen Mr Knutton or who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote reference number 1529 of 6th January 2022.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.