The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Concern growing after pensioner goes missing
PITLOCHRY: 74-year-old was last seen on Friday night after going for a walk
Fears are growing for a Highland Perthshire pensioner, who disappeared from his home four days ago.
Malcolm Mcgraw went out for a walk on Friday night and has not been seen since.
A major search operation is under way around the 74-year-old’s home in Pitlochry.
A helicopter crew was deployed on Saturday to search a wide area of countryside between Pitlochry and Ballinluig.
Specialist search teams were also spotted at the River Tummel off the A9.
Police Scotland said Mr Mcgraw was reported missing at 11pm on Friday.
He is described as about 5ft 7in tall, slim with grey hair.
When last seen, he was wearing a dark blue jumper and trousers.
Police, who launched an appeal for information at the weekend, said the missing OAP was a keen walker, and was known to go for regular walks around the Pitlochry area.
Local independent councillor Xander Mcdade said: “There was considerable police activity in the town.
“There is a lot of concern locally, with lots of locals sharing the police appeal on Facebook to raise awareness.”
He said: “Obviously we’re all hoping he’s found very soon and our thoughts as a community are with his family.”
Meanwhile, another man who was missing in Perthshire for almost a week was found safe and well yesterday.
Police were searching Pitlochry for a male backpacker, whose identity was not revealed, after vanishing from a local holiday resort.
However, the man did not realise he was reported as missing and went to a police station in Edinburgh as soon as he heard to let them know he was alright.
Prior to being reported as missing, the man was last seen leaving the Milton of Fonab Caravan Park, where he had been staying, just after 11am on Monday August 6.
He had just paid for an extra night at the caravan park, but was not seen again until yesterday.
Police Scotland released CCTV images of the man on Friday in an effort to trace the unknown camper.
A photo of the Talaso-brand rucksack he left behind was also released.
Staff at the campsite raised the alarm.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The male reported missing from Milton of Fonab Caravan Park, Pitlochry, on Monday August 6 has been found safe and well.
“Officers would like to pass on their thanks to those who helped in their inquiry.”