A kayak has been found in the search for a man reported missing at sea.

Concerns were raised for Dominic Jackson when he did not return home after a weekend trip to Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday.

The 35-year-old left home on Friday evening with the intention of going sea kayaking off the north east coast.

A kayak believed to belong to Mr Jackson, who had only recently taken up the sport, was found near Wick, Caithness, at 9pm on Monday.

A piece of safety equipment which had been attached to the kayak was discovered at Porknockie, Moray, on Tuesday.

Mr Jackson was last seen between 10.30am and 11am on Saturday in the Cullen area, where he asked locals where the best kayaking spot might be.

His VW Transporter van was found parked near Portsoy Harbour after he was reported missing.

A large-scale search involving coastguard, RNLI and police continued on Tuesday despite rough sea conditions.

The emergency services have been assisted by Mr Jackson's father Dominic and his brother Stuart.

In a statement released on Monday, his family said: "We are desperately worried for Dominic and would urge him to make contact with his family or police to let us know he is OK.

"This is completely out of character and we just want him home.

"We would also like to thank local people who are assisting with the search."

On Tuesday evening, Mike Rawlins from Macduff RNLI asked people not to start their own searches.

"Over the past 36 hours we have seen many posts from people on social media offering to help with the search for Dominic and a number of members of the community have been part of an organised search," he said.

"Whilst it is heartening and not at all unexpected to see such a response from the communities along the coast, with more specialist search teams now being involved in the search for Dominic, I would urge members of the community to not start their own searches.

"While walking around the coast in our area is a very safe and enjoyable activity, slips and falls do happen.

"With the poor weather we are experiencing today there could be an increase in the risk of slipping or falling on wet ground.

"We understand that the community want to do as much as possible to help find Dominic, but if someone were to be injured by slipping and falling while searching, depending on the location of the accident, Coastguard teams and lifeboats may need to be involved, taking valuable resources away from the ongoing search.

"It goes without saying that the thoughts of everyone at RNLI Macduff are with Dominic's family and friends at this very distressing time."

Police Scotland inspector Ewan Strachan said: "Our efforts to trace Mr Jackson are continuing and we have a team of specialist officers in place - including a dive team - with support from the coastguard to continue the search today, particularly in the direction of where the kayak was recovered.

"Unfortunately, weather conditions are not favourable and our resources will continue to be deployed accordingly.

"We will be liaising with our Police colleagues in the north to ensure the search area is maximised.

"Foot searches along the coastline from Portsoy up to Buckie are currently ongoing with assistance from members of the public, and I would once again like to thank them sincerely for their help."