Hundreds join hunt for Reece
More than 200 people took part in a major search operation over the weekend to try and find missing Highland Perthshire camper Reece Rodger.
The hunt for the dad-of-two has stepped up with Reece’s partner Paula saying her family are “broken” at his disappearance.
It is approaching three weeks since the 28-year-old vanished while on a camping trip on the shores of Loch Rannoch, east of Killichonan.
Reece, from Fife, was last seen by his companions on Saturday, March 18 at around 11.30pm.
His friends thought he was heading to bed but on Sunday morning there was no trace of him and he was reported missing.
Loved ones have spent many days in the Loch Rannoch area since, looking for him.
Specialist searches have been carried out by the Air Support Unit, the Dive and Marine Unit, police dogs and Mountain Rescue teams but to no avail.
More than 200 family, friends and volunteers joined the search effort at the Perthshire beauty spot on Saturday and Sunday.
Among those included SAS: Who Dares Wins star Nadine Harkness who briefed search teams before they headed out.
In a powerful statement, Reece’s partner Paula Airzee said she is “begging for the public to help” and issued a heartfelt thank you to those who took part.
She said: “The response to the weekend search for Reece was nothing other than heartwarming. It makes me realise even more how much Reece is loved.
“Since Reece disappeared we have had over a thousand people come search for him and we still don’t have one clue where he is. Nothing. Reece could never have covered on foot what we have.
“Where can he be? I’m begging for the public to help. I can’t close my eyes anymore -not knowing where Reece is.
“To say we are broken as a family is an understatement. Please help me get the answers we need as Reece would never choose to leave us.
“Another search of the water is taking place over the next few days by the police.”
Paula also commended the “amazing” local community for their assistance over the past two weeks.
“I want to continue the dialogue with them as I believe someone locally can help us further in the search for Reece,” she explained.
Police are encouraging anyone driving on the B846 from 11pm on March 18 to 8am on March 19 to come forward.
Paula added: “I’m pleading with you, please can you come forward and tell the police if you were on this road.
“Even if you didn’t see anything, please let us know you were on the road as it may help us with our future search areas.
“To say we are broken as a family is an understatement.”
Police have also issued a further appeal to the public for any information that may help trace Reece.
He is described as 6ft, of medium build with dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a black long-sleeved t-shirt with distinctive white letters on both sleeves spelling out – MA STRUM, black jogging bottoms and black wellington boots.
Inspector Stephen Gray said: “Despite extensive enquiries, rigorous searches in the local area and previous appeals we have not been able to trace Reece.
“As time goes on concerns are growing and we are again appealing to anyone who saw Reece or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us.
“I would appeal to anyone who was travelling on the B846 between 11pm on 18 March and 7am on 19 March and who may have witnessed anyone or who may have dashcam footage to get in touch.’’
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist to contact 101 quoting reference number 1348 of Sunday, March 19.