A large-scale search has been launched for a vulnerable pensioner reported missing from his home on Arran.

John Smith was last seen walking to a friend's home on the island on Tuesday evening.

Police have deployed a helicopter and mountain rescue teams in the search for the 77-year-old, while the RNLI, RAF and coastguard have also been involved.

Mr Smith has health issues, police said, and they do not believe he has daily medication he requires with him.

He was last seen by a neighbour near to Machrie Golf Club in Machrie Bay, where he was walking in an easterly direction around 6.10pm on Tuesday.

Inspector Christine Boyd, 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.

"He had said to the neighbour who last saw him that he was going to see a friend in the Shiskine area of the island.

"We do not know if he arranged a lift or planned to walk, but he did not get to his friend's house.

She continued: "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."

Ms Boyd added: "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 also been assisted by VisitScotland, local businesses and the whole community of Arran and we are all working together to find Mr Smith.

"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."

Mr Smith is described as 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.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101.