An anxious family today issued a plea for help in finding their dad.

Allan Burns, 71, has been missing for more than three weeks and his family are desperate for news.

They joined officers close to where he was last seen in at Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch.

Read more: Allan Burns: Search for missing Renfrewshire pensioner ‘will not be downscaled,’ say police

A statement from the family read: "Our dad, Allan Burns, went missing onJanuary 18 and was last seen just past Castle Semple in Lochwinnoch around 5pm.

"As a family we are struggling to cope and are extremely concerned for his safety and wellbeing.

"This is completely out of character for him and we urge anyone with any information whatsoever to come forward."

They also thanked police and the local community for all their efforts in the search for Allan, from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.

Inspector Laura Hamill, of Renfrew Police Office, who is leading the search for Allan Burns, said: “Our enquiries to trace 71-year-old Allan Burns from Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire who has been missing from his home since Friday, 18 January 2019 are ongoing.

“There have been no confirmed sightings of Allan since around 5.15pm that day in the Lochwinnoch area.

“We are continuing to ask those residents who live in or around the Lochwinnoch area to check their gardens, sheds and any outbuildings to make sure Allan has not taken shelter within.

“Although our searches are focussed in the areas where Allan was last seen we would ask people living in the surrounding area contact us if they have any information to assist in our enquiries.

“We would like to thank the public for the assistance they have given us so far and we welcome any information that may help to find Allan.

“When last seen he was last seen wearing a grey tammy hat, a khaki green waterproof jacket with tartan lining, dark blue jeans, grey walking boots and a maroon and grey striped scarf.”

Anyone with information about Allan's current whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101.