Fears grow as search for missing photographer continues

SEARCHES for a missing wildlife photographer at a Highland dam will resume tomorrow.

Police divers joined mountain rescuers, sniffer dogs and a search plane in scouring riverbanks and hills around a hydro-electric power station at Aigas, near Beauly, Inverness-shire.

Fears grew for 61-year-old Gordon Dawson after some of his photography equipment was found at Aigas dam.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said the search was called off as darkness fell last night.

It involved members from the Grampian Police Underwater Unit, Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team, specialist sniffer dogs and a plane from the charity SkyWatch.

The spokesman said the search would resume at first light tomorrow.

Mr Dawson was last seen at his home address in the Aigas area early last week.

The alarm was raised on Sunday.

The police spokesman said: “Photography items which may belong to the missing man were found at Aigas Dam.

“We are encouraging anyone who was walking at Aigas Dam or the surrounding area and saw a man taking pictures of wildlife any time since last Wednesday.”

Water levels at the dam have been lowered to assist in the search.

A source said the search was being treated as “body recovery operation”.

Mr Dawson, who is described as being 5ft 10in and of medium build, is believed to have been living alone and was reported missing on Sunday by his landlord.