A major search to find missing teenager Liam Smith is continuing two weeks on from his disappearance.

Detectives are hunting grounds and water near Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire, where the 16-year-old is thought to have got off a bus from Aberdeen 14 days ago.

Liam was last seen on CCTV at Union Square shopping centre in Aberdeen at around 1.15pm on Saturday, November 17, shortly before boarding the 202 bus, which was heading towards Banchory.

A police spokesman said: "Unfortunately our searches in the Crathes area have been hampered by the weather over the past few days, with the wet and windy conditions making the terrain even more challenging.

"However our experienced team are trained to deal with this and we would still urge the public not to take any risks if you are out walking in the area."

Chief inspector Martin Mackay added: "Over the past two weeks we have had assistance from every available resource at Police Scotland's disposal including the search helicopter, dog unit, dive unit and specialist police search advisers (Polsa).

"As we enter more challenging terrain every day we are now relying on a 'boots on the ground' approach to ensure dense wooded areas are properly checked.

"Many areas have also become flooded due to the wet weather so we are also deploying dive units to assist.

"There is no denying this is a difficult operation and we continue to review our options with every day that passes.

"Two weeks is a long time for any family to be without their son and we continue to keep in contact with Liam's family.

"Your comments and words of comfort are much appreciated by everyone involved.

"I would also like to thank the members of the public who have been leaving food and home-bakes for our officers who are searching out at Crathes - we have been shown incredible kindness by the local community."

Following information received by another passenger, officers believe he got off the bus at Crathes and a sighting of him in the Crathes Estate area that afternoon has provided further information to lead their searches.

Liam is described as white, slim and 6ft 4in. He has short brown hair and walks with a distinctive gait.

When last seen he was carrying a camouflage North Face rucksack and was wearing Nike Air Max trainers.

He bought Lucozade, Jaffa Cakes and a Dairy Milk at Sainsbury's before he left Aberdeen.