The family of a man who went missing while swimming near the Skye Bridge have issued an emotional appeal to people in the north to help them bring him home.
A major land, sea and air search was launched in the area yesterday but it was stood down last night after no trace of Andrew Gordon was found.
The 54-year-old was last seen close to the shoreline at Kyleakin.
It is understood he had been attending the Shoot The Goose biker rally with his family when he disappeared.
When he was last spoken to, he was setting off for a swim. But he failed to return and has not been seen since.
In a statement issued through the police yesterday, his family said: “We are extremely grateful to members of the emergency services, search and rescue personnel and members of the local community who have been helping in the search for Andrew since Sunday afternoon.
“We’d like to appeal to anyone who saw Andrew or spoke to him on Sunday to please get in touch with the police.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, may assist in bringing Andrew home to us.”
Yesterday coastguard teams scoured the shoreline around the bridge while lifeboat crews from Kyle and Portree patrolled the channel.
Police officers, the British Red Cross, a police dog unit and representatives from the Search and Rescue Dog Association also helped with the search.
A specialist police dive unit from Aberdeen arrived on scene in the afternoon, while members of the public from the local area have also helped hunt for Mr Gordon, who is from the East Lothian area.
The Stornoway-based coastguard helicopter also carried out a number of sweeps of the area.
Mr Gordon was last spoken to around 8.45am on Sunday and was last seen close to the shoreline in the Kyleakin area.
The alarm was raised at 12.30pm by a family member after he did not return.
He was wearing grey combat trousers and a hooded top with a “Guns ‘N Roses” logo.
He is 6ft, of muscular build, with short shaved brown hair and a beard.
Councillor Audrey Sinclair, who stays in Kyle, on the mainland side of the Skye Bridge, said: “My thoughts are with family and all of the rest of the bikers as well.
“It is a very popular social event which has given a lot of money to local charities over the years.
“They’re a good group and it’s very sad that this has happened.”
She added: “There are so many things that could have happened in that water and we have to hope for the best outcome.”
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.