BBC DJ Jo Whiley backs search for missing lecturer Oliver Smith

Radio DJ Jo Whiley has backed the search for a Fife lecturer missing on Skye.

The Radio 2 presenter took to Twitter to highlight the search for University of St Andrews academic Oliver Smith, 33, who has not been seen since he set off for the Cuillins a week ago.

She posted a picture of a missing person flyer appealing for information, with the message: “My friend’s cousin has gone missing. Posting this with hope that he’s found.”

Ms Whiley urged followers to circulate the appeal.

A major search operation involving a coastguard helicopter, Civil Air Patrol, search dogs and local mountain rescue teams failed to find any trace of Mr Smith after four days on the hills.

The search was called off on Thursday. However, local mountain rescue teams have planned further searches this weekend.

Mr Smith, a lecturer in Russian, lives in Cupar with his partner Shelly and baby daughter.

He left his accommodation last Saturday morning with the intention of climbing the munro Bla Bheinn in the Cuillins but never returned.

The family had gone to Skye together for a short break.