The family of a missing university lecturer paid tribute to all those still searching for him on the Isle of Skye, where he went hill walking at the weekend.

Further searches were made yesterday for Oliver Smith, 33, a lecturer in Russian at St Andrews University, who lives in Cupar, Fife.

It is understood he had gone to Skye for the weekend with his partner Shelly Jacobsen and their one-year-old daughter, Thea.

It is known he had intended to climb the 3044ft mountain Bla Bheinn then descend and walk via Loch Coruisk and the coastal path to Elgol on the shores of Loch Scavaig towards the end of the Strathaird peninsula in the south of the island.

When he failed to return to his holiday accommodation, where his family were waiting, by Saturday evening, the alarm was raised.

Mountain rescue teams, police with search and rescue dogs and a coastguard helicopter were looking for him yesterday.

A spokeswoman for St Andrews University said: "We are deeply concerned for Oliver and remain in close touch with his family.

"Our thoughts are very much with them and with him at this difficult time."

She said that his family had issued a statement through the university.

It said: "Oliver's family would like to express their immense gratitude to all those involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation, as well as to those who have offered their kind support in other ways."

According to his entry to the university's website, his research focuses on the Russian intellectual tradition as it developed from the beginning of the 19th century.

The bulk of his work is centred on Russian religious thought.

Police describe him as being 5ft 7 in, of slim build with short brown hair and facial stubble.

He wears glasses and was wearing khaki trousers, a black jacket, black hat and was carrying a small blue/grey rucksack.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen Mr Smith to contact them.