Police are trying to track down a mysterious naked man who has been seen wandering in the Ochil hills.
Just as scientists are uncovering the mystery behind the Himalayan yeti, Police Scotland are appealing for information about an equally elusive visitor to the hills north of the Forth Valley.
There have been reported sightings of an unclothed man walking in the hills during the past couple of months. He has been spotted around the Dumyat peak in particular.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police in Forth Valley can confirm they are investigating and would urge anyone who can assist with our inquiries to come forward.
“In addition, we are keen to trace this male and ask that he get in touch with police to discuss the full circumstances surrounding this matter.”
Anyone with information, or who has seen the rambler, is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
The nude stroller is not to be confused with Stephen Gough, the infamous Naked Rambler, who was remanded in custody south of the border last month.
Gough who has previously been sentenced to more than six years in prison for his belief that it is his right to appear naked in public awaits trial for an alleged breach of an anti-social behaviour order.
Rumours of the Ochils’ own naked rambler have been circulating for years, but the recent police appeal confirms that local officers are taking reported sightings seriously.
The mystery behind the naked rambler of the Ochils has been compared to the search to find the Himalayan yeti.
However, that mystery looks like it may have been solved after it was revealed this week that an Oxford University scientist has made a major breakthrough towards unravelling the legend.
After DNA testing hair samples, Professor Bryan Sykes concluded the creature could have been a hybrid bear, related to the brown bear and a descendant of an ancient polar bear.
A retired teacher posting on the Walkhighlands website gave an account of the Ochils rambler.
He wrote: “The Himalayas have the yeti. Vancouver Island has Bigfoot. Whitburn has Susan Boyle. Glasgow has the teetotaller. Aberdeen has the “I insist on buying the first round” man. These are all the stuff of legends.
“A less well-known mythical creature is the naked rambler of the Ochils (NROTO). He is not to be confused with the poor fellow locked up in Barlinnie at great cost to the taxpayer.
“The existence of the NROTO was first brought to my attention by a Dumyat regular who said he had to stand aside to let him pass at a very narrow point on the path up from Menstrie. At this point the path is bordered by briars and nettles, so to stand aside was a very Christian thing to do.
“However, one sighting is not enough. Yesterday proof positive was provided of the NROTO. Having gone up Dumyat from Menstrie and feeling relieved at not having to avoid the Highland coos, I got into conversation with a young couple who had their pre-teen sons with them.
“Asking if the boys had enjoyed the walk, I was informed that they had enjoyed it very much, especially the conversation with the well-tanned naked man they had met on the way up from Sheriffmuir.
“Apparently he was a most pleasant chap and warned them of the cold wind on top of Dumyat. Well, if anyone would know about cold wind it would be him! Whether or not he put on his clothes when reaching the Sheriffmuir road is not known.”
* Have you seen the naked rambler of the Ochils? Contact The Courier at arobertson@thecourier.co.uk.