Parents continue search for son

Feb 3 2012

The parents of a man who went missing after a party have vowed to keep up their search for him as they spoke of their torment at not knowing where he is.

Grant Ritchie, 20, was last seen at 1am on Sunday beside cliffs near Allan Park, Cove Rangers football ground, south of Aberdeen.

His disappearance sparked a major search by police, the coastguard and an RAF helicopter, as well as a large number of family, friends and members of the public.

The search of a three-mile stretch of coastline by land, sea and air was formally stood down on Tuesday afternoon, although police inquiries continue.

Mr Ritchie's parents thanked all those who joined the hunt for their son but said they are not ready to give up the search.

In a statement issued through Grampian Police, his mother and father Grant and Patricia Ritchie said: "Everyone just wants to know where he is and what has happened to him.

"The search and rescue team were fantastic and we are grateful for the work they have carried out but we are not ready to give up the search. Grant is such a popular guy and is always laughing and joking with his friends, and it's incredibly difficult not having him here with us."

The girlfriend of the missing Newburgh man, 17-year-old Lisa Stephen, said the last week has been the most difficult of her life.

She said in a statement: "I just wish he was here with me. We were always very happy when we were together and each day without him is more difficult than the last. I'm grateful for everyone who has joined the search and just wish we could find him or that he would walk back through the door.

Mr Ritchie is 5ft 7in, slim, with short brown hair. He was wearing a light grey, long-sleeved t-shirt with a white collar, blue jeans and black shoes.