A researcher missing in Switzerland is “very unlikely” to return home alive, his father has said.
Fergus McInnes has not been seen since flying to the central European country for a conference on September 9.
His father Bennet, who lives in Blairgowrie, fears his son may have had an accident while out walking in Martigny, 50 miles from Geneva.
Fergus’ suitcase and mobile phone have never been found and the academic, who works at Edinburgh University, has not accessed his email since his disappearance.
Swiss police have carried out an extensive search in the area, with police in Scotland carrying out similar inquiries, but no trace of Fergus has been found.
Mr McInnes Sr believes his son may have slipped while in the countryside.
Despite no body being found he thinks his son may now be dead.
He said finding either the body or some of Fergus’ possessions would allow them some closure over his disappearance.
“There’s been no other evidence, as far as I know, that he’s anywhere else,” he said.
Fergus’ sister Lorna has remained optimistic, however.
In a post on a website dedicated to finding her brother she said: “Unfortunately, for now, we must continue to exercise patience and remain hopeful and optimistic in what is, at times, an extremely difficult and distressing situation.”
For more on this story see The Courier or try our digital edition.