Dog sparks major search for man in Loch Ness

A pet dog inadvertently sparked a major hunt for a man in the Scottish Highlands after it was caught by police when a number of sheep were killed in Drumnadrochit.

Jason Gates, from Portsmouth, was last seen in Aviemore and is thought to have headed to the village of Drumnadrochit.

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He was officially reported missing on Thursday.

In a statement to The News, Highlands and Islands Police said: "Specialist search officers have been assisting local officers and the Coastguard with searches in Drumnadrochit and surrounding areas.

"As part of enquiries being conducted to trace Jason Gates, officers believe that the white and brown spaniel found on Tuesday in Drumnadrochit belongs to Jason Gates."

The Press and Journal reports that earlier in the week, Gates' dog was caught by police officers while running loose after several sheep were killed in the area.

Jason's car was found deserted and an air, land, loch and river search was launched.

The 36-year-old's father Malcolm issued a desperate plea saying: "Please contact the police – they have your dog – and please contact us. We're here for you."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.