Clothes found in search for Ruairidh Sandison

16 August 2019, 17:06 | Updated: 16 August 2019, 17:07

A piece of clothing has been found in the search for a man who went missing in Aberdeenshire nearly a week ago.

Ruairidh Sandison was with friends in the Gadle Braes area of Peterhead until around 4.20am on Saturday August 10.

The 24-year-old was last spotted on CCTV nearby at 5.10am and has not been seen or heard from since.

On Thursday evening during the search effort, an item of clothing was found in the water but officers are keeping "an open mind" as to whether it belongs to Mr Sandison.

Inspector George Cordiner said: "Yesterday evening an item of clothing was sighted in the water off the coast of Peterhead which was of interest to us and searches have been ongoing to recover this item.

"At this stage it is far too early to confirm whether or not this clothing is connected to Ruairidh, however, we obviously need to keep an open mind."

Earlier this week drones, divers and a helicopter were deployed by police as part of extensive searches with the Coastguard.

Mr Sandison is around 6ft, slim, and has ginger hair.

When last seen he was wearing a white jumper, black jeans and white trainers.

Mr Cordiner added: "It has been one week since Ruairidh went missing and I know it is extremely frustrating for his family and friends not knowing exactly where he has gone.

"We continue to keep in close contact with them and have a significant team of officers dedicated to doing everything they can to establish what has happened to him.

"Coastline and water searches have also been continuing this week and I would like once again to thank our partners including the coastguard and RNLI - the assistance we receive from both organisations is invaluable.

"I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of all of Ruairidh's friends and family who have been dedicating so much time and effort to finding him."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference number 2611 of August 10.