A MAJOR search and rescue operation was launched yesterday following reports a walker may have fallen from a popular Perthshire beauty spot.
Officers from Tayside Police scoured the tree-lined southern slopes of Moncreiffe Hill, overlooking Bridge of Earn, throughout the afternoon.
The search was sparked by what was described as a “fleeting” sighting made by a motorist travelling on the M90.
Police were joined by members of the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team.
A search and rescue helicopter was also requested from RAF Kinloss and the yellow aircraft hovered over the crags and forested slopes for around an hour.
The search continued on the ground, with a unit from the Scottish Ambulance service on standby.
However, by late afternoon a full search of the hill had been carried out and the team stood down with no trace of any casualty.
A spokesman said the call was being treated as “a false alarm with good intent”.
Moncreiffe Hill was busy with walkers throughout much of the day, keen to enjoy its wooded paths and stunning views down the Carse of Gowrie and across Bridge of Earn.
Although relatively low, the southern side of the hill boasts a number of sheer rocky outcrops near the summit.
mmackay@thecourier.co.uk