The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
A missing Perthshire pensioner has sparked a major search.
police: Concern grows for retired farmer who has not been seen since Tuesday morning
A fast flowing stretch of the River Tay was the focus on the second day of a search for a missing Perthshire pensioner.
James Morton, 88, of Oakbank Place, Guildtown, was last seen at his home in the village at 8.30am on Tuesday.
As darkness fell, concern grew for the retired farmer’s safety and a major search operation swung into action.
Police, the fire service and a helicopter were deployed but there was no sign of the missing man and the search was called off.
The search resumed yesterday with efforts concentrating on the Campsie area of the River Tay, a few miles from Guildtown.
In a police-led operation, the fire service’s water rescue team from Perth took to the river in its boat and were assisted by another team brought in from Glenrothes.
While they searched the river police dogs were utilised on the riverbank in an effort to trace Mr Morton.
A helicopter was also in the air above the Tay, sweeping from Guildtown down to beyond Perth.
In his home village locals said they hoped the pensioner was quickly traced.
They said he was a married man and a long-term resident of Guildtown.
“Mr Morton is a retired farmer and well-known locally,” said one resident.
A police car was stationed outside the family home while the search continued.
The police hope that the public may hold the key to tracing the missing man and appealed for their assistance.
They described Mr Morton as 5ft 10in, with receding grey hair. When last seen he was wearing grey trousers, a navy blue jumper, red and white checked shirt, brown anorak and boots. He uses a walking stick and is believed to have had this with him.
A police spokesman said: “Any sightings of James or his vehicle, a silver Peugeot 207 registration KN62VML, please contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 2240.”