Tourist search to be scaled down

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The search for a Scottish tourist reported missing in South Africa looks set to be scaled down.

Michael Hetherington, from Lossiemouth, was last seen on 2 February near the 10,000ft tall Cathedral Peak, in the Drakensburg mountains near Durban.

An extensive air and ground search has so far failed to find the 73-year-old, who is an experienced hiker.

Rescuers from the Mountain Club of South Africa said the search would be reassessed on Thursday morning.

Andy Wood, the rescue co-ordinator, said: "He was last seen on Saturday morning and a considerable amount of time has passed since then.

"That is a concern. Obviously we don't want to give up hope but that's a factor in one's planning."

Mr Hetherington has been described as very fit.

The bachelor, who travels to South Africa nearly every year to visit relatives, left his home in Moray last week for a three-week visit.

He is an elder at his local church, where members of the presbytery have been saying prayers for his safe return.