Re-appeal to trace missing Beauly man 6 months on

James Paton disappeared just before Christmas 2019

James Paton was seen Dec 23rd near the River Beauly where he was going to walk his dog.
Published 23rd Jun 2020

Six months on from when James Paton was last seen, Police are re-appealing for help in trying to trace him.

James Paton (73) was seen around 1.30pm on Monday, 23 December, 2019, driving his silver Dacia Duster at Ruttle Woods near the River Beauly where he was going to walk his dog.

His car was traced at 4.30pm that afternoon with his dog inside, but there was no trace of Mr Paton.

When last seen Mr Paton was wearing black trousers with a purple jumper, a green fleece jacket and brown boots.

His disappearance is described as "totally out of character"

Significant searches have been carried out and officers have been assisted by the local community and as well as specialist teams.

Sergeant Brian Bisset of Beauly Police Office said: “This is a very upsetting time for Mr Paton’s family who are extremely worried as six months have now passed without any further sightings or contact from him, which is totally out of character"

“Despite the passage of time, we will continue to carry out enquiries to trace him, and we will follow up any information we receive. I would again appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact 101 quoting reference number 3111 of 23 December 2019.”