VOLUNTEER pilots are taking to the skies to search for a missing Dunfermline teenager after it was claimed Police Scotland called off its rescue efforts. 

Ralphie Smith, 18, who attended Woodmill High School, has been missing for 12 days after it's believed he fell from Arbroath Cliffs around 1pm on Saturday, February 25. 

A multi-agency operation first carried out air and land searches for Ralph but the UK Civil Air Patrol Scotland (UKCAPS) say they have now begun their own investigation after they believed the police had stopped their search. 

Archie Liggat, chief pilot for UKCAPS, said: "We have taken over efforts from police now and since last Wednesday we have completed seven searches.

"Unfortunately, we haven't seen anything to report but we are committed to continuing to search for Ralphie and at least we can know that he isn't in these areas. 

"It's not an easy job, the terrain has rugged edges and we're searching at the bottom of cliffs.

"For those who are working on the ground it can be dangerous work and we can do a better job from the air with it taking a fraction of the time."

Most of the volunteers for the charity were previously in the RAF or the police forces and have hours of flying experience behind them. 

The aircraft flies at 800 feet when searching and when an observer spots something of interest the pilot will go down to a height of 500 feet. 

However, Mr Liggat criticised police for not working more closely with UKCAPS, who are only working from their own information. 

He added: "We don't have any kind of relationship with Police Scotland. We have no specific intelligence from police, any information we know is in the public domain. However, making an effort is better than doing nothing. 

"We are not there to help the emergency service but rather we there are to support the communities and families affected by a missing person. 

"We are in contact with Ralph's family and will continue to support them."

Sandy McIntosh, headteacher at Woodmill High School, said: "It has been a difficult week for our school community.

"We've spoken to all pupils and parents, and our guidance teachers and psychological teams are on hand to offer support to any pupils or staff that need it. Our thoughts are with Ralphie's family at this time." 

Ralphie Smith's family have since faced further tragedy when two of his relatives died the day after his disappearance, when they attended a family vigil for the teenager. 

A 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with their deaths.