Family of farmer missing for days in desperate plea for information

Friday 31 August 2012

THE family of a farmer missing for almost a week said they were desperate for any information that could help them find him.

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Tom Robb, 74, was last seen on Saturday when he set out on a walk from his farm in Carron Valley, Stirling.

His family said he often went for walks across his land but his sense of direction has waned through dementia.

Officers from Central Scotland Police, mountain rescue teams and an RAF helicopter have been searching in the area but have found no trace of him.Police said Mr Robb was not properly dressed for the recent cold and wet weather and asked any walkers or cyclists who use the Carron Valley area and saw Mr Robb to contact them.A family statement said: "Tom has been a hill sheep farmer in the Carron Valley area near Stirling for more than 50 years. He is a fit man for his age, who is happiest being outdoors and often walks on his land."Unfortunately, as he now has dementia, his sense of direction is impaired."Dad is a sociable person who loves animals and may possibly approach dog walkers."We have been overwhelmed with the response from the family, local and farming community in searching such a vast area. "We are desperate for any news that may help us find him."Mr Robb is described as 5ft 10ins with balding grey hair and a medium build. He was wearing a two-tone grey jumper and blue trousers when last seen.Officers said the last confirmed sighting of Mr Robb was at about 4.30pm at Duncarron Fort in the Carron Valley where a music festival was being held. He was also seen a short time earlier by a group of walkers in the Meikle Bin area.Meanwhile, police are conducting further appeals for information on the one-week anniversary of the disappearance of a woman from West Lothian.Heather McKay, 51, was last seen in Dechmont on the morning of August 24. Since then she has failed to make contact with anyone.Officers will today be conducting patrols in the hope regular commuters and parents dropping children off at school might hold vital clues.

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Families

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Family of farmer missing for days in desperate plea for information

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