Friends of missing journalist set to start search

SEARCHES of the favourite walking routes of missing Highland journalist Clive Dennier are to be carried out by friends and colleagues of the popular reporter.

Police are increasingly concerned for the safety and well-being of the 50-year-old, who failed to turn up for work on Monday.

His disappearance has been described as “out of character” by concerned friends. There have been no sightings of his vehicle.

It is believed Clive, who worked for the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald and is a former chief reporter of the Press and Journal, may have gone hillwalking at the weekend.

Police have searched more than 30 car parks, including those near a number of popular walking routes in the Highlands, but have not found his car.

He drives a silver Volkswagen Polo, registration number SX54 CXD, and the vehicle is particularly distinctive as it is missing its hub caps.

Friends and colleagues are now planning searches of some of his favourite walking destinations along with a poster campaign.

Close friend Eilidh Davies said: “Someone must have seen him or his car.

“So many of Clive’s friends want to help him. Everyone is so concerned.

“If he is not located before Saturday we will arrange a co-ordinated search of some of his favourite walking routes and give out as many posters of his picture and car registration as possible in a bid to try to jog someone’s memory.”

Clive had been in touch with a couple of friends about going walking at the weekend, but they were unable to join him. However, he did not give an indication of where he was planning to go.

Clive’s sister Judy Meedham, who lives in Oxfordshire, said: “We feel so isolated down here. It’s nice to know that people are doing something to help.

“I want to go out and find him and we may travel up to help. I feel I just need to be near to where Clive may be.”

Judy, who lives with her husband Mike and has two grown-up children, added: “He is really close to Holly and Maddie. He is so adventurous and has done lots of travelling. He is extremely popular. We alternate between despair and then hope.”

Walking pal Mike Cawthorne said: “I am about to head off to check some locations we have been to before. I have given police 20 grid references.

“Clive has only got his boots and jacket with him. I known his equipment well and his crampons and water bottle are still at his home.”