A pair of trainers found in the search for a missing Highland man are not his according to police.
Lachlan Simpson, 22, vanished after a county show dance in Dornoch at the weekend, prompting a major land, sea and air search.
A pair of green canvas shoes were found on Tuesday evening near the village’s sewage treatment works by a search dog.
But this morning police said the shoes did not belong to Mr Simpson and had been ruled out of the investigation.
Last night almost 200 volunteers joined the search for the missing man in the Dornoch and Embo area.
A further search party is to continue combing the area this morning.
Search co-ordinator Chief Inspector Colin Gough, said: “Police and partners have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response and assistance provided by the community.
“People have travelled from across Scotland to assist and we are extremely grateful to everyone who attended tonight despite the changeable weather conditions.”
Mr Simpson was last seen at 1.30am on Sunday morning outside the marquee tent at the village links.
Police said yesterday Mr Simpson made phone contact with friends shortly after the dance and said he would meet them in Dornoch before going to a party in his home village of Embo, but he never turned up in either place.
Mr Simpson lives with his father in Embo while his mother lives not far from Embo, at Skelbo.