POLICE are appealing for information and assistance from the public to trace an elderly man missing from his home on the Isle of Arran since yesterday (May 30).

John Smith, 77, from Machrie, Arran, was last seen by a neighbour near to Machrie Golf Club, Machrie Bay, at around 6.10pm yesterday evening and it is believed that he was walking in an easterly direction.

He is described as white, 5 ft 4 in height, of slim build, with short grey hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.  He was last seen wearing a dark coloured jacket, dark trousers, a woolly hat and brown hiking boots.

Inspector Christine Boyd, Irvine Police Office, said today: “Mr Smith had said to the neighbour who last saw him that he was going to see a friend in the Shiskine area of the island.  

"We do not know if he arranged a lift or planned to walk, but he did not get to his friend’s house.

“He has had some health issues recently and is of poor mobility so for him to be away from his home for this length of time is very unusual.  He also requires to take daily medication which we don’t believe he has with him.

“Local officers, supported by the Force helicopter and search and rescue team, continue to search the island for Mr Smith but so far there have been no sightings of him and both we and his family are becoming concerned for his wellbeing.

“We have alerted local bus and taxi companies to look out for Mr Smith and would appeal to the public to assist by, for example, checking gardens, sheds and the like just in case he sought refuge there overnight for whatever reason.

“If you have seen Mr Smith recently or have any information that will help us find him, then please call officers at Lamlash/Irvine Police Station via 101 quoting reference number 4049/30/05.”