Mr Riach was due to walk the Burma Road between Carrbridge and Aviemore. Photo: David Medcalf CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police are appealing for sightings of a man who went missing before tackling a Highland trail.

John Riach, who is described by Northern Constabulary as ‘extremely vulnerable’, made off from his carer at 10am on Monday.

He was due to walk the Burma Road from Carrbridge to Aviemore and was last seen near the railway station in Carrbridge, 9km (5½ miles) north of Aviemore.

Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team has been joined by colleagues from and RAF mountain rescue team in the search for the 22-year-old in the area around Carrbridge.

Police were alerted at 6pm on Monday and dog handlers have joined the search for Mr Riach.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen him and to any drivers who may have passed someone fitting his description during the day to contact them.

John Riach

He is described as being around 6ft, of slim build and was wearing grey mountain trousers and a black waterproof jacket with black zips. He was also wearing red Bridge ear defenders, which he never takes off.

Anyone with information about him is asked to contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555.

The Burma Road was constructed by prisoners of war during the 1940s and leads from Carrbridge round the flanks of Geal-charn Beag to rejoin the A9 below Alltnacriche.