A church pastor who disappeared from his home in Perthshire three days ago has been seen getting off a bus in Stonehaven.
Peter Edwards was reported missing by his family after he left Scone in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The 65-year-old took a bus into Perth city centre and got off at Glasgow Road, near the Lovat Hotel, just before 8am.
Now investigators have confirmed that Mr Edwards arrived in Aberdeen, some 90 miles away, at around 12pm.
He then took the 2pm bus to Stonehaven, arriving at 3.20pm in Barclay Street.
Police are trawling through hours of CCTV footage in an effort to trace his movements.
Mr Edwards, who is originally from New York, is an associate pastor at the Perth Christian Fellowship church, which he helped establish in the mid-1980s.
Congregation members have been praying round the clock for his safe return.
There are worries that Mr Edwards may have wandered off on his own and fallen ill.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman: “There is concern for Peter’s welfare and officers would like to hear from anyone who has seen him or has any information about his whereabouts.”
Mr Edwards is described as 5ft 9in, balding and has a grey beard. He usually wears gold rimmed glasses.
When last seen, he was wearing a long sleeved grey shirt, black tank top jumper, tie, grey trousers and black leather shoes. He speaks with a distinctive American accent.
The fellowship church was launched in Perth in 1984.
The congregation quickly expanded and the church moved into a meeting place at Dewars’ centre, before flitting to the National Christian Outreach Centre, Riggs Road, in 2008.
A description of Mr Edwards on the church’s website states: “His quiet authority, discerning ways, and heart for God’s people are much appreciated by the congregation.”
On Friday, he gave a sermon at the church on the importance of hope.
Senior pastor Mervyn Milne said Mr Edwards was very popular amongst the congregation.
“All of our thoughts are with Mr Edwards and his family at this very difficult time,” he said.
Mr Edwards is also well known through his work at the church-supported Mustard Seed Coffee Shop in Perth.
Police have ruled out a possible sighting at Christies Bar in Perth on Tuesday evening.
