Search for missing pensioner

[Daryl]

Search for missing pensioner Retrieved from http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/03/03/newsstory11013096t0.asp

A HUGE search operation was launched yesterday after a pensioner went missing from his home in Highland Perthshire, writes Mark Mackay.

Eighty-three-year-old George Borthwick was last seen in the Pitlochry-Moulin area around 7am, but his absence prompted his family to contact the emergency services. Tayside Police began an initial search of the area around his home in Pitlochry shortly after 8.30pm.

That pattern was extended to include much of Pitlochry town centre.

However, as the day went on that search was extended to cover miles of countryside.

The police search and rescue and the force’s dog section led a painstaking search of the Blackspout Woods to the south of Pitlochry.

They were joined in combing the woods and its waterfall and gorge by a Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter from RAF Kinloss and RAF mountain rescue teams from RAF Leeming and RAF Leuchars.

The helicopter was also called upon to search Loch Faskally to the north of the town, in conjunction with the police rescue launch.

Additional help was provided by members of the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination mountain rescue team who were training in the area.

As darkness fell, Search and Rescue Dog Association dogs and handlers moved in to search open areas throughout the night.

“George is well known in Pitlochry where he has lived for many years,” said local officer Sergeant John Watson.

“We would like anyone living in Pitlochry to think hard about where they have been since Sunday morning and whether they might have seen him.

“In addition, I’d like to ask everyone in Pitlochry to make sure that their neighbours are aware that George is missing and that everyone check their gardens or outbuildings.

“Hopefully the local community can help us reach a successful outcome by checking their properties and remaining vigilant.”

Mr Borthwick is known to be a keen hillwalker and climber and is said to be a physically fit man, despite his age. He’s described as being six feet, with silver-grey hair and balding.

It’s believed he was wearing a brown zip-up anorak, beige cargo trousers and black shoes.

Anyone who sees Mr Borthwick or anyone fitting his description or who has any information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the police urgently on 01738 621141 or speak to any police officer.