A NORTH-East software developer has disappeared while walking in Scotland.

Daniel Bennett, 43, was last seen at The Green Welly Stop, in Tyndrum, western Scotland, shortly before noon on Saturday (March 21).

He is believed to have been walking in the hills and around the area.

Mr Bennett, who works at the Centre of Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University, has not made contact with family or friends since.

Police Scotland are appealing for information in tracing Mr Bennett.

Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff said: “Daniel is an experienced hill walker and is always properly equipped, however the length of time he has been away without making contact with anyone is becoming increasingly concerning.

“The support we get from the public in response to our missing person appeals is invaluable and we’d appreciate anyone in the Tyndrum area keeping a lookout for him.

“However, I can’t stress this enough, please do not stray from the safety of your pre-planned route.

“We are working very closely with the Mountain Rescue Team, who are professionally trained and equipped for such searches, and are currently carrying out various lines of enquiry to help us trace him.”

Mr Bennett has short brown hair and blue eyes and is 5 ft 8 inches tall. Police say it is likely he is carrying a grey and green rucksack.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Police Scotland on 101.