SPECIALIST search teams and a police dog unit have been drafted in to help in the search for a missing man in the area around Arrochar.

No trace has yet been found of Thomas Saunders, 58, who was last seen in Edinburgh in mid-December and whose car was found abandoned near a forestry track in the Ardgartan area.

Local officers and a team of specialist resources are continuing to search the area where the car was found.

These resources include the Arrochar mountain rescue team, coastguard personnel from Helensburgh, Kilcreggan, Inveraray and Dunoon and from the Ministry of Defence Police.

Additional help has been called in from a specialist police search team and from Police Scotland's dog unit.

Those involved in the search are being supported by the charity Rapid Relief Team, which offers a unique catering support service to UK emergency services.

Inspector Roddy MacNeil from Helensburgh police office, who is helping to co-ordinate the search, said: “We are keen to trace Thomas to ensure that he is safe and well and we are appealing for anyone who knows of Thomas or who thinks they have seen him to get in touch.

“We are grateful for the support of the specialist resources who are assisting with the search in the Ardgartan area and in particular I would like to thank Rapid Relief Team who are providing invaluable support by way of refreshments for the teams conducting the search.”

Footage has been found showing Mr Saunders in an Asda supermarket in Leith on December 14.

Police say they believe he subsequently drove his blue Volkswagen Golf GTi, registration number S274 OGB, to the Arrochar area, but they are not sure when the journey was made.

Thomas is described as white, of medium build, with green eyes and short white/grey hair. He may not be clean shaven.

Anyone with information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 1270 of Friday, December 28, 2018.

For further information about Rapid Relief Team visit uk.rapidreliefteam.org/