The family of an 83-year-old man missing for a week has appealed for his safe return as police dive teams begin searching a canal.

Matthew Bowie has been missing since Sunday, January 24, from outside his home in Gleneagles Gardens, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

He is described as active, fairly fit, and often goes out for walks in the local community. Police and family members are now growing increasingly concerned for his well-being.

Sister Jean Allan and niece Alison Graham attended Kirkintilloch Police Office on Monday to make an emotional plea for his safe return and also for any help from members of the public.

Police are also carrying out searches at a canal in Bishopbriggs, where Mr Bowie often walked.

Mr Bowie is around 5ft 8in, with a slim build and with white/grey receding hair. He is normally clean shaven. He usually wears dark trousers, a shirt and a jumper but it is not known what he was wearing when he was last seen.

Inspector Gerry Corrigan told STV News: "It's quite unusual for Matthew to go missing for quite such a period of time without telling a family member, a friend or a neighbour. So given Matthew's age and the fact that his behaviour is out of character, that has given us some cause for concern.

"Matthew is a fairly fit and active guy and he likes to get out and about in the local community - walking along the canal path and walking along open spaces.

"Because of that information we do have some specialist search teams assisting with the investigation. We have specialist teams searching open areas within the Bishopbriggs area where we know Matthew frequents and also this morning, and ongoing at the moment, we do have an underwater search team searching some areas of the canal."

Mr Corrigan previously said: "Given the recent bad weather over the past few days we do have concerns for Mr Bowie’s well-being.

"I would ask members of the public to check their sheds, huts or any other outhouse buildings as Mr Bowie may have taken shelter within. His family is understandably very concerned and just want him home safe and well.

"If anyone has seen Mr Bowie or has any information as to his whereabouts, please contact police immediately."