The son of a Moray pensioner whose disappearance sparked a massive search is running an ultra-marathon tomorrow to raise money for some of the volunteers who joined the hunt.
Jim Bramald will tackle a 36-and-a-half-mile route along the Speyside Way, from Ballindalloch to Buckie, in aid of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association Scotland (SARDA).
The group played a key part in the operation to find his father Ian, who disappeared from the Buckie area in February and has never been found.
Mr Bramald, 40, said: “The disappearance of my dad has left a huge hole in the life of all the family.
“We were deeply touched and amazed at the massive efforts of all those involved in searching for him, including many volunteers from Buckie.
“The search and rescue dogs caught my imagination,” he added.
“It was a privilege to have them search for my dad.”
The 40-year-old said his closest previous attempt to going the distance was last year when he did the Elgin half-marathon.
His mum will be waiting for him at the finish line, marking an emotional moment in their six-month wait for news.
Asked what will get him through the 36-and-a-half miles, he said: “I will be thinking about my dad, as I’m running and I will be bringing him home in my mind.”
Mr Bramald is an engineer with Ithica Energy and has been collecting donations for his run through a website; www.justgiving.com/JimBramald.
He has reached over £2,000 so far, and his employers have promised to match the total sum raised.
Mr Bramald also appealed to people in the area between Drybridge and Thornybank to remain vigilant.
He said: “Anyone who is walking around that area of Buckie, if you find a piece of clothing or a cap or something, please don’t hesitate to contact Police Scotland on 101.
“It could let us bring him home.”
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson, who led the inquiry to trace Mr Bramald said: “We are still keen to trace Ian Bramald so we can piece together what happened and to bring closure to his family.
“The support we had from the community in Buckie was absolutely amazing and so I am sure they will get behind the Bramald family once again to cheer Jim on and support him in his marathon effort.”