The search for a pensioner who went missing in Aberdeenshire six months ago has been scaled back.

William Ritchie, known as Bill, was reported missing by neighbours in Fraserburgh on January 14.

Despite extensive searches including police helicopter, dog and diving units no trace of the 90-year-old has been found.

Mr Ritchie was a keen walker and would often walk long distances outside the town.

Areas near the shore and rural routes have been re-visited during the search.

Police have now said Mr Ritchie may have been ill before he disappeared and his usual routine changed.

DI Stewart Drummond said: "I know that those who know Bill or even just recognise him to say hello have been anxious to know where he went, and it is extremely frustrating for us all not knowing exactly what has happened to him.

"We do know there were sightings of him in Fraserburgh in early January and our enquiries indicate that he was possibly unwell in the weeks leading up to his disappearance.

"His usual routine changed and he was described as looking frail and not as fit and agile as normal.

"Despite this he seems to have continued with his regular walks around the town, the shoreline and on rural routes."

He continued: "To maximise the use of our resources and time in any missing person inquiry we have focused our searches in areas led by the information and intelligence we have had available to us.

"Once our leads are exhausted it becomes impossible to know where to search next and inevitably our efforts have now been scaled back.

"Please be assured that we will continue to act on any new information that we receive and that the inquiry surrounding a missing person is never closed. It is not too late to get in touch with information if you think it could help and I would encourage you to get in touch by contacting police on 101 quoting incident no 2549 of Jan 14."