Rescue crews join search for missing man last seen a week ago

The search for a missing man continues after he was last seen in Aviemore nearly a week ago.

Police have been joined by rescue crews in a bid to trace 72-year-old James Brannan after he was spotted in the village on Saturday afternoon.

He was officially reported missing on Tuesday and extensive police enquiries and searches have been ongoing since then.

Detectives were assisted by the HM Coastguard, the Cairngorm and RAF mountain rescue teams and personnel from Glenmore Lodge and the Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre.

However, there has been no trace of Mr Brannan since his disappearance.

Police say he is believed to have been wearing blue jeans, a dark winter jacket and walking boots.

He is described as being around 5ft10 and of thin build with medium-length grey hair and a grey beard.

Chief inspector Jen Valentine said: “We remain extremely concerned for James’s welfare and we are keeping his family fully informed as we progress with enquiries.

“We are grateful to our partners for their assistance with searches and the local community in Aviemore for their assistance.

“I know local people share our concern for James and I would continue to urge anyone who thinks they may have seen him at any time since last Saturday afternoon to get in touch as soon as possible.

“Any information, no matter how small you feel it might be, may be of use.

“Given the recent weather I would also urge anyone who lives locally and has a shed or outbuilding where someone could seek shelter to check this and report anything out of the ordinary to us.

“Anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact 101, quoting reference number 1601 of 8 February.”