The shoe that missing man Shaun Banner was wearing on the night he disappeared has washed ashore, his family have confirmed.
The item was found at Nigg Beach in the Highlands by a volunteer as part of a search party looking for the Invergordon dad and has been handed to the police.
His brother Alan told the Record that the shoe was what the 34-year-old was wearing when he was last seen almost a month ago.
Shaun was captured on CCTV on Saturday, April 23 near Invergordon railway station, around midnight but there have been no further sightings of him since.
Police say their enquires have indicated the possibility that Shaun has entered the water.
Brother Alan said: "We have been focussing our searches mainly on the shorelines and beaches as we have a strong suspicion Shaun is in the water.
"One of the shoes Shaun was wearing washed ashore Nigg Beach.
"It was identified and confirmed as the shoe Shaun was wearing. The police are aware. It was handed in to the police by someone from our search parties.
"This doesn’t mean he is definitely in the water but is the reason we have focused our searches on the shorelines and beaches.
"We have also set up a justgiving page to raise funds for extra resources to help with the search."
Since his disappearance, Shaun's family has led community efforts to search for the much-loved dad, coordinating efforts from The Place community centre in Alness as they scour the local area.
His partner Bexy Ross has also issued heartfelt plea for Shaun, who is dad to their daughter Tia, to come home.
The family previously said that the 34-year-old had "not been himself" in recent times.
He is described as 5ft7, with short brown hair, blue eyes and of slim build.
Shaun was last seen wearing green and brown Crofter work trousers, a grey Rogue Attitude puffer-style jacket, a blue RSE work top and grey, purple and blue Nike Air Max trainers.
Inspector Chris Murray, of Alness Police Station, said: “Extensive searches and enquiries have been carried out as part of our efforts to trace 34-year-old Shaun Banner, since he was last seen in Invergordon in the early hours of Saturday, 23 April.
“Officers have remained engaged with Shaun’s family throughout the process, providing them support and updates on the investigation.
“Our enquiries have subsequently indicated the possibility that Shaun has entered the water sometime after he was last seen.
"At this time, efforts to trace him remain ongoing and we continue to appeal for anyone with information or any potential sightings to please come forward.”
