THE family of a man who has been missing for four weeks have said they are “frantically worried”.
Paul Johnson, 74, was last seen at around 10.45pm on Wednesday September 15 in Hepburn Gardens in St Andrews, Fife.
His family said he left for a walk and then vanished, and the weeks since have been the “hardest of our lives”.
He had left his home in Hay Fleming Avenue at around 10pm on the day he went missing.
His family said in a statement: “Four weeks ago our dad – who was fit and healthy – left his home on St Andrews for a walk.
“He was spotted on a couple of cameras walking as if on an evening stroll, was seen by a friend on Hepburn Gardens and has then simply vanished. His whereabouts remain a complete mystery.
“For us and our mum, the last four weeks have been the hardest of our lives.
“Our dad is a grandfather to nine – soon to be 10 – wonderful grandchildren, who are missing him as much as we are.”
They thanked those who have united to help find Johnson, saying they cannot “put into words the gratitude we feel”.
They added: “We have been helped immensely through this difficult time in the knowledge that the town where mum and dad first met, fell in love and call their home is full of such wonderful and supportive people.
“Loved ones, friends and complete strangers have gone above and beyond to help with the search.
“We are frantically worried and miss dad so much. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and know what we will forever be grateful for your kindness.”
Police inquiries are continuing, with officers going door to door and studying CCTV.
Johnson is a keen walker and searches have been carried out in and around St Andrews of places he frequents.
Inspector Murray Gibson said: “It has now been four weeks since Paul went missing.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for his family and we are keeping in regular contact with them as our inquiries continue.
“Over the past four weeks, extensive areas have been searched by police search teams, partner agencies, and the local community.”
He thanked those who have helped the search and urged anyone with information on Johnson to get in touch.
Johnson is around 5ft 9in and of slim build with grey hair. He was last known to be wearing a blue rain jacket and light coloured walking trousers.
Police Scotland can be contacted on 101.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here