The search for missing Mearns woman Shona Johnston will enter its fifth day today as police continue to scale back their operation.
The 35-year-old mother of two was last seen in the Robert Street area of Stonehaven at 1pm on Tuesday with her car found at Dunnottar Castle three hours later.
A major, land, air and sea search was launched earlier this week but the coastguard has now been taken off the operation with police divers also stepped down.
Thermal imaging equipment had also been used in the search with underwater cameras also looking for any trace of Ms Johnston.
Today, police will embark only on a land search with officers to concentrate on the shoreline and cliff paths to the north and south of the attraction.
Despite a police appeal for tourists, visitors and dog walkers to come forward with any potential sightings of Ms Johnston, no one has come forward with new information. None of her belongings have been found, it is understood.
Mrs Johnston is originally from Orkney but had recently moved to the Drumlithie area with husband Graham, who works in the oil industry, and two young daughters, who are aged three and 14-months old.
Earlier this week, her mother Sheena Ritch – who travelled from Deerness, Orkney, to visit her daughter’s new home just last weekend – said the whole family was “devastated” at her disappearance.
Speaking earlier this week, Inspector Jon Millar said in the absence of new information, the police operation would continue to be reduced.
He said: “We’ve searched extensively north and south along the cliff-line, beach areas and sea to look for her. It’s come to the point where we’ve done the vast majority of our search. We will continue some searches but we’re drawing to a close our expansive coastal search of the Dunnottar area.”
Mrs Johnston, who is about 5ft 6in and slim with short brown hair, was wearing a green fleece, jeans and ankle boots when she was last seen.
Anyone with information should call 101.