Mr Robb went missing on the Speyside Way near Fochabers. Photo: Anne Burgess CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police are appealing to outdoor enthusiasts for sightings of a man who has been missing on a popular walking route since yesterday morning.

Grampian Police said they are becoming increasingly anxious to trace William Robb, 75, who was reported missing from the Fochabers area of Moray on Sunday.

He was last seen about 10.30am on Sunday while out walking with friends on the Speyside Way.

Inspector Craig Donald, who is leading the efforts to find Mr Robb appealed to the public and said: “William has been missing for over 24 hours now and, with the passage of time coupled with the colder weather conditions, we are getting more and more concerned about his safety and wellbeing.

“Since we received the report that William was missing, we have had over 30 people from Grampian Police, Braemar, Aberdeen, and RAF mountain rescue teams out searching for him.

“Their efforts have been assisted by three search and rescue dogs who worked through the night with their police dog handlers.

“Throughout today we have also had an RAF helicopter assisting in the search.

“We are keen to appeal to anyone who may have been using the Speyside Way on Sunday to contact us if they think they may have seen William.

“I would also like to ask residents in local area to help us by checking their gardens and any outhouses they have.

“Likewise, I want to appeal to any hillwalkers, dog-walkers, mountain bikers, and anyone else who uses the Speyside Way to familiarise themselves with William’s description and contact us as soon as possible with any information they may have.

“If William gets this message, I would appeal to him to contact the police or alternatively, a family member or friend, to let us know that he is safe and well.”

Mr Robb is described as 5ft 6ins (1.68m) tall, slim build, with receding grey hair which is long at the back and sides.

When last seen he was wearing a blue Gore-Tex shell jacket, blue hiking trousers with gaiters, and hiking boots. He had a green rucksack with him.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the walker is urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.