Concerns are growing for a mother and her 12-year-old son who have been missing for seven days.

Sandra Element, 54, and Aiden Hoggard were last seen at 8.15am on Monday, May 8 in Balintore, Easter Ross.

Their disappearance was only reported to police on Friday afternoon.

They have connections in England and police believe the pair may be travelling by public transport.

Inspector Jamie Wilson said: "As time goes by we are naturally increasingly concerned for Sandra and Aiden and we would ask that anyone who may have information as to where they are get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"We believe they may have connections in England and may have travelled using public transport.

"We want to ensure they are safe and well and ask anyone with information to contact police."

Ms Element is 5ft 5in, with a slim build and brown hair. She was wearing black clothing when last seen.

Aiden is around 4ft, with a slim build and brown hair. He was wearing a knitted jumper and carrying a black rucksack.