The mother of a missing London man last spotted at a Scottish beauty spot before Christmas says she “can’t bear the thought of him being cold, hungry, and alone”.
Keen walker Marc Drostle, 28, is believed to have travelled from the English capital to Aviemore in the Highlands on 12 December.
Between Thursday 19 December and Saturday 21 December, Police Scotland said there were reported sightings of him at Abernethy National Nature Reserve, near Nethy Bridge.
The most recent sighting is believed to have been in the Anagach Woods area near Grantown-on-Spey at about 3pm on Christmas Eve.
In a statement released through the force, Mr Drostle’s family said he had “not been feeling good for some time”.
They added: “We are very worried that he may not be thinking clearly enough to look after himself.
“We are worried about Marc surviving in the cold and we are hoping that he has found a barn or outbuilding where he can stay dry and out of the worst of the weather.
“Marc is a kind, funny and gentle person, who is a talented artist and works making mosaics with his dad in southeast London.
“He has always loved being in the woods and has fond memories of Scotland from a family holiday when he was younger.
“Marc has an adventurous spirit and can walk for long distances, but it is not clear how he has been eating over the past two weeks.
“As his mum, I can’t bear the thought of him being cold, hungry, and alone.”
Mr Drostle’s family praised the locals for their “kindness and support” and said police have been working hard to find him.
His family added: “We cannot wait to get Marc home and get him the help he needs.”
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Mr Drostle is described as around 5ft 9in tall, slim, and with dark hair. He is thought to be wearing a black puffer jacket and carrying a blue rucksack.
Inspector Craig Johnstone said: “Since Marc was reported missing, we have carried out extensive searches and enquiries across the area, but unfortunately, we have not yet been able to trace him.
“One month on, his family is understandably very worried, and we are continuing to ask for any information that could help us locate him.”
As Mr Drostle is known to walk long distances, it is possible he may have followed the course of the River Spey toward Moray.
Inspector Johnstone added: “We are again asking anyone who lives near the river, frequently walks in the area or spends time fishing to report any sightings.
“We also ask residents and landowners to check any cabins, outbuildings, or sheds in case Marc has sought shelter from the weather conditions.”
