Heavy snows and extremely cold temperatures have left a missing man’s family worried for his survival.
The family of London man Marc Drostie (28), who travelled to Aviemore on December 12, have issued a lengthy statement urging people to keep their eyes peeled for any sign of him.
He has not been sighted since Christmas Eve – several days after police first began searching for him.
And officers and his family are worried that the deep freeze, which could see temperatures fall as low as -20C overnight tonight, could leave his life at risk.
Issuing a statement as police renewed their appeal for help finding him, Marc’s family said: “Marc has not been feeling good for some time, and we are very worried that he may not be thinking clearly enough to look after himself. We are worried about Marc surviving in the cold and we are hoping that he has found a barn or outbuilding where he can stay dry and out of the worst of the weather.
“Marc is a kind, funny and gentle person, who is a talented artist and works making mosaics with his dad in south-east London. He has always loved being in the woods and has fond memories of Scotland from a family holiday when he was younger.
“Marc has an adventurous spirit and can walk for long distances, but it is not clear how he has been eating over the past two weeks. As his mum, I can’t bear the thought of him being cold, hungry, and alone.
“We are so grateful to local people for their kindness and support. The police have been working hard to find Marc and we really appreciate their efforts and commitment. We cannot wait to get Marc home and get him the help he needs.
Police released a CCTV picture of him shortly after he was reported missing back in December.
“Please look out for Marc and let the police know as soon as possible if you think you may have seen him.”
Police issued their first appeal for information on December 22, sparking a number of reported sightings.
Between Thursday, December 19, and Saturday, December 21, there were sightings of him in the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, near Nethy Bridge.
The most recent sighting of Marc came after police launched their search, with him believed to have been spotted in the Anagach Woods area near Grantown around 3pm on Christmas Eve.
Marc is white, around 5ft 9in tall, of slim build, with dark hair. He is thought to be wearing a black puffer jacket and carrying a blue rucksack.
Inspector Craig Johnstone said: “Since Marc was reported missing, we have carried out extensive searches and enquiries across the area, but unfortunately, we have not yet been able to trace him.
“One month on, his family is understandably very worried, and we are continuing to ask for any information that could help us locate him.
“Marc is known to walk long distances, and it is possible he may have followed the course of the River Spey toward Moray. We are again asking anyone who lives near the river, frequently walks in the area or spends time fishing to report any sightings.
“We also ask residents and landowners to check any cabins, outbuildings, or sheds in case Marc has sought shelter from the weather conditions.
“Anyone with any information of where Marc may be should call Police Scotland on 101 and quote ‘reference 1774 of December 21.”
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