People living on the Isle of Arran are coming together to search for an elderly man who has been missing for nine days.

John Smith, 77, was last seen by a neighbour near Machrie Golf Club on Tuesday, May 30.

His family are planning to conduct a series of searches across the island this weekend.

Posting in the island's Facebook forum, a user said: "We have been asked by the Smith family to let you know that they plan to have a couple of searches for Smudger on Saturday 10th June, starting at Machrie Tearoom at 1pm.

"On the advice of Arran Mountain Rescue, please only come if you are fit & able. No children to attend."

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

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

Inspector Christine Boyd, of Irvine Police Office, said: "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.

"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.

"If you have seen Mr Smith recently or have any information that will help us find him, then please call officers at Lamlash/Irvine Police Station via 101 quoting reference number 4049/30/05."