Search for missing Aberdeenshire pensioner called off

THE search for missing pensioner Ernest Mackie has been stood down.

Mr Mackie has not been seen since Wednesday, when he was at Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire.

The 78-year-old’s chances of survival outside for so long were “very slim”, police said.

An “extensive” search involving the coastguard, a search and rescue helicopter, lifeboat, police and mountain rescue was launched on Wednesday night.

Mr Mackie, from Ellon, was last spotted at around 10am.

The alarm was raised in the evening because of worries about his age and because no one had seen him seen since the morning.

Inspector John Esson said: “Over the last two days we have conducted an extensive search of the Cruden Bay area which in addition to police, has the coastguard, an RNLI lifeboat as well as assistance from an RAF search and rescue helicopter.

“It is now 48 hours since he was last seen and, given the winter weather and Mr Mackie’s age, the chances of survival outdoors for that length of time are sadly very slim.

“The family of Mr Mackie have been kept informed of developments throughout the search and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”