Search for missing pensioner last seen a year ago continues

The search for a missing pensioner who vanished in the Highlands exactly a year ago is continuing.

James Paton was reported missing from his home in Beauly on Monday, December 23, 2019 and hasn’t been seen since.

Officers leading the search are appealing for information regarding his whereabouts.

The 73-year-old was driving his silver Dacia Duster at Ruttle Woods near the River Beauly where he was going to walk his dog at around 1.30pm on the day he disappeared.

His car was traced there around 4.30pm that same afternoon with his spaniel collie cross dog inside, but there was no trace of Mr Paton.

He is described as white, 5ft 8ins in height and of stocky build with grey hair and a beard.

When he was last seen he was wearing black trousers with a purple jumper, a green fleece jacket and brown boots.

Sergeant Brian Bisset, of Beauly Police Station, said: “Since Mr Paton was reported missing one year ago, extensive enquiries and rigorous land and water searches have been carried out in order to trace him, however despite our efforts he is still missing.

“During our searches we have been assisted by specialist resources including police dogs, our Dive and Marine Unit, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Dundonnel Mountain Rescue Team, HM Coastguard helicopter and members of the local community.

“This is a very upsetting time for Mr Paton’s family. We remain committed to finding James and would urge the local community, who have been very supportive, to continue to assist us by passing on any information which could help our investigation.

“Our enquiries to locate him are continuing and we will be following up any information we receive.

“I would again appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact 101.”

In a statement released through Police Scotland his family said: “We miss Jim daily and are extremely upset that a year has now passed with no signs of him.

“We are very grateful for the support and concern shown to us by our local community, and hope that this anniversary appeal may jog someone’s memory and urge anyone with information to contact police as it could be crucial in locating him.”