Ross-shire mountain rescue team helps search for missing man (72); 21 Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team members scour area
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MEMBERS of a Ross-shire mountain rescue team have tonight continued the search for a man posted missing yesterday.
Twenty-one members of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team have been assisting in the search for James Paton, who has been missing from his home in the Beauly area since Monday afternoon.
Searches last night and today focused on woodland in the Fanellan and Ruttle areas near Kiltarlity. Team members were assisted by HM Coastguard helicopter 951 from Inverness as well as by dog handlers from Police Scotland and SARDA Scotland.
Dundonnell MRT leader Iain Nesbit said: "Our thoughts are very much with Mr Paton's family at what must be a very worrying time for them".
At present, Mr Paton (72) remains untraced.
Earlier police renewed an appeal for help tracing the Mr Paton.
He was last seen around 1.30pm on Monday near his home in the village of Kilarlity.
His car, a blue Dacia Duster, was later found around 4.30pm about three miles away parked on a track with the dog inside but there was no trace of Mr Paton.
He is described as 5ft 5ins, of stout build with a grey beard and hair and wears glasses. It is thought he was wearing a black and red checked shirt and usually wears blue jeans or black work trousers.
Inspector Les Davidson said: “We are increasingly concerned about Mr Paton who has now been missing overnight. This is completely out of character.
“He was known to walk in the wooded area where his car was found but his family believe that he would have stuck to recognised paths.
“If anyone was out walking in the area and saw Mr Paton I would urge them to get in touch. If anyone sees him or Mr Paton himself sees this appeal, then please call us on 101, quoting incident 3111 of Monday, December 23.”
