POLICE are becoming increasingly anxious to trace a 75-year-old man who has been reported missing while walking on the Speyside Way.
The emergency services have been out in force in their bid to find William Robb, who was last seen at 10.30am yesterday (Sunday), while he was out walking with friends in the Fochabers area.
He is described as being five-feet-six-inches tall, of slim build, and with receding grey hair which is long at the back and sides.
Mr Robb, who is from Aberdeen, was wearing a blue Goretex shell jacket with trousers, hiking boots, and was carrying a green rucksack.
Inspector Craig Donald, who is leading the efforts to find Mr. Robb, issued an appeal to the public late this afternoon.
He said: "William has been missing for over 24 hours now and, with the passage of time coupled with the colder weather conditions, we are getting more and more concerned about his safety and well-being.
"Since we received the report that William was missing, we have had over 30 people from Grampian Police, Braemar, Aberdeen, and RAF mountain rescue teams out searching for him.
"Their efforts have been assisted by three search and rescue dogs who worked through the night with their police dog handlers.
"Throughout today we have also had an RAF helicopter assisting in the search.
"We are keen to appeal to anyone who may have been using the Speyside Way on Sunday to contact us if they think they may have seen William.
"I would also like to ask residents in local area to help us by checking their gardens and any outhouses they have."
Inspector Donald also said he wanted to appeal to hill-walkers, dog-walkers, mountain bikers and anyone else who uses the Speyside Way to familiarise themselves with Mr Robb’s description and to contact the police with any information they may have.
"If William gets this message, I would appeal to him to contact the police or alternatively, a family member or friend, to let us know that he is safe and well," he added.
Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mr Robb is urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if wishing to remain anonymous.
