The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Search for missing pensioner goes on after police find car
88-year-old’s vehicle discovered near River Tay, but still no sign of James Morton
Specialist search teams have spent a third fruitless day searching for missing Perthshire pensioner James Morton.
The discovery of the 88-year-old’s car by the banks of the Tay focused attention on the fast flowing water.
Police and civilian mountain rescue teams and water rescue trained firefighters joined a dog unit to scour the water and banks for sign of the retired farmer.
Though a helicopter scoured miles of river from Guildtown to the estuary south of Perth this week, land and water searches have continued to focus on the Campsie area.
Away from the river, police have continued to make inquiries with family, friends and neighbours.
They also continue to seek information from anyone who may have seen the 88-year-old in the hours before his disappearance.
Mr Morton, of Oakbank Place, Guildtown, was last seen at his home in the village at around 8.30pm on Tuesday. The retired farmer is a wellliked and respected member of the community, which has been offering support to his family in the toughest of times.
Police Scotland said: “Concerns are increasing for the welfare of James, who was last seen at around 8.30am on Tuesday January 31.
“Officers can confirm that his car, a Silver Peugeot 207, registration KN62 VML, was traced near the River Tay in the area of Campsie, by Guildtown.
“Searches have been focused in that area.”
Mr Morton is 5ft 10in with receding grey hair and when last seen he was wearing a light coloured cloth cap, red and white checked shirt, navy blue jumper, a brown anorak, grey trousers and boots.
He uses a walking stick and may have had this with him.
Anyone who may have seen a man matching his description is asked to call police on 101. Searches will continue today. They were carried out last month for missing Perth man Iain Guthrie after the 20-year-old disappeared from his home in the city.
Family and friends have been working to keep the 20-year-old’s profile high, though they have all but given up hope of good news.
Mr Guthrie was reported missing at the same time the alarm was raised that someone was in distress in the Tay in Perth on the evening on December 19.
Officers can confirm that his car, a Silver Peugeot 207, registration KN62 VML, was traced near the River Tay in the area of Campsie, by Guildtown