Police were called to a woodland area in the Borders yesterday after receiving reports of a man holding a shotgun.
At around 12:45pm the man was spotted by a passer-by in a wooded area to the rear of Harleyburn Court, near Melrose.
The man appeared to be holding a shotgun but did not discharge or use the weapon in a threatening manner.
Officers launched an extensive search of the woods but could find no trace of the man.
Inquiries are ongoing in a bid to trace him and police are now appealing for him to come forward.
He is described as white, aged between 50 and 60 years old and around 5ft 10ins tall.
He has greying hair and stubble and was wearing a black jacket, black trousers, green Wellingtons and carrying a black rucksack.
Anyone who saw the man or recognises the description is asked to call police.
Inspector John Scott of Police Scotland said: “It is not clear at this stage what the man was doing at the time but clearly we are concerned by reports that he was seen in woodland holding what appears to be a double-barrel shotgun.
“There may be a reasonable explanation and that is why we are keen to here from him directly or from members of the public who perhaps seen the man at some point during the day.
“There has been an increase in police patrols in the local community and hopefully residents can take some reassurance that we are taking active steps to trace this man as quickly as possible.
“I would ask anyone who can assist with our enquires to please contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”