A large-scale search has been launched for an elderly man missing from his home on Arran.

John Smith, 77, was last seen near Machrie Golf Club, after telling a neighbour he was going to see a friend in the Skiskine area of the island.

Known locally as Smudger, John is white, 5ft 4in, of slim build, with short grey hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.

He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers, a woolly hat and brown hiking boots.

Inspector Christine Boyd, of Irvine Police Office, said: "A number of days have passed now since Mr Smith was last seen, and so far we've had no confirmed sightings of him since.

"Mr Smith is a vulnerable man who has had some health issues recently and is of poor mobility so for him to be away from his home for this length of time is very unusual. He also requires to take daily medication which we don't believe he has with him.

"Our efforts to trace Mr Smith involve specialist resources from Police Scotland including, air support, police mountain rescue and support unit search teams. Additionally, we've been provided with exceptional support from Arran mountain rescue, RNLI, RAF and the coastguard which has been vitally important due to the scale of the search required.

"We have alerted local bus and taxi companies to look out for Mr Smith and would appeal to the public to assist by, for example, checking gardens, sheds and the like just in case he sought refuge there overnight for whatever reason. Each day that passes causes us real concern for Mr Smith's safety."