Timmy MacColl went missing in Dubai in May last year.
The uncle of a Perthshire sailor missing in Dubai for more than a year has welcomed the first local police appeal for information.
Royal Navy Leading Seaman Timmy MacColl, 28, vanished on shore leave in May last year after getting into a taxi bound for his ship.
Officers have issued an online appeal for witnesses, which is understood to be the first of its kind in any case in the Gulf emirate.
Mr MacColl’s uncle, Dundee police officer Colin MacColl, said the family were pleased at the unprecedented move.
He said: “I don’t know why its taken a year but apparently its the first time the Dubai police have appealed for witnesses for anything.
“It’s something we have been encouraging them to do for a while. At least it shows there is some active inquiry ongoing.”
Mr MacColl said the family had been frustrated by a lack of action by the Royal Navy over his nephew’s disappearance.
“The Dubai authorities are doing something and it’s more than the Royal Navy have been doing. The new appeal might not help, but it certainly won’t hinder.”
The father-of-three, who is from Killin, Stirlingshire, disappeared after a night out with shipmates.
