Rescuers are searching for a man missing in the north-west Highlands.

Members of the man’s family alerted police with their concerns after he failed to turn up after going hillwalking in the Little Assynt area, east of Lochinver. Members of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team have been joined by police and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

The hunt for the 86-year-old man began this morning and continued throughout the day.

A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said: “The man is believed to be hillwalking in the area, unaccompanied and was reported missing by concerned family.

“The man is described as 5ft 8″, slim build, with light grey/white hair and a white beard. He may be in possession of an orange tent.”

Anyone with information about the missing walker’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at Dornoch on 01862 810222.