A CAR believed to be the one used by a missing father and son from Sutherland was yesterday recovered by police in the Kinross area.

The Courier understands that Colin Payton (49) and his 11-year-old son Douglas were travelling in a red Renault Clio that was found by officers.

Police have expressed concern for the wellbeing of the pair who left their home in Golspie, Sutherland, on Thursday afternoon.

Detective Inspector Iain Smith, the officer leading the search for Northern Constabulary, said, “My concern for the wellbeing of Mr Payton and his son is based on the amount of time they have now been missing without contacting anyone.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen both persons or has information about their whereabouts to contact Dornoch Police Station as soon as possible.”

And a spokeswoman from Tayside Police added, “We can confirm that a red Renault Clio, believed to belong to the missing persons, was discovered at 8.26 am in the Kinross area. We passed this information on to Northern Constabulary as it is their inquiry.”

Mr Payton is described as being 6 foot tall, of medium to heavy build, with a moustache and cropped light brown hair. He has very distinctive, bulbous eyes.

His son is described as being of slim build with a very fair complexion. He has blonde hair, which is short and unkempt.

Police forces throughout the UK have been informed of the missing pair and their details have been passed to the National Missing Persons Bureau.

It is believed Mr Payton and his son may now be using public transport.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact Dornoch Police Station on 01862 810222.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said last night, “A member of the public saw the pair on Thursday night in the Kinross area.”

After seeing a newspaper report at the weekend they then contacted their nearest police station who made Northern Constabulary aware of the find.