A Kirkcudbright woman missing for ten days has not been found despite extensive searches.
Joyce Kirkland was reported missing from her Buchanan Street home early on Saturday March 13.
A massive multi-agency search operation has concentrated on tidal reaches of the River Dee and the nearby Solway coast.
Galloway Mountain Rescue Team was among the assets pulled in by Police Scotland to help look for 72-year-old Mrs Kirkland.
Team leader Stewart Gibson told the News: “We were tasked by the police search advisor to search numerous locations close to Kirkcudbright.
“We deployed 14 team members over three days and used every available asset the team had including the water rescue technicians, a Search And Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) handler and dog and one of our small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) which helped search areas which otherwise would have been inaccessible.”
Mr Gibson added: “The team will continue to support the police in this ongoing search.”
Mrs Kirkland was last seen around 10pm on Friday, March 12, at her home in Rankine Place off Buchanan Street.
She was reported missing at 4.50am the following day, triggering the huge search effort.
Police dive teams, Solway coast Coastguard personnel, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and local volunteers were involved.
Nith Inshore Rescue launched a rigid inflatable boat to search the harbour area and nearby shallows.
A police spokesperson said on Monday: “Mrs Kirkland has not been located. Our inquiries are ongoing.”
Chief Inspector Bryan Lee, Local Area Commander, said: “We believe Joyce left the address on foot and could have walked to the harbour area.
“Joyce’s family have been kept fully informed with our enquiries and we remain very concerned for Joyce’s welfare.
“We know the local community have supported our search efforts and we are thankful to them, and our partners, for assisting with the investigation.”
He added: “I’d urge anyone with private CCTV covering the route Joyce may have taken, to check their systems and provide any relevant footage to officers as soon as possible.”
Joyce is described as around 5ft 6in tall, medium build with grey shoulder length hair.
It is thought she was wearing a black puffa jacket and blue tracksuit bottoms.
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0645 of March 13.
