Police confirm body found in Glencoe in Highlands is missing hillwalker, 43, who vanished with his springer spaniel a week ago
- Police have recovered the body of missing Glencoe hiker Neil Gillingham, 43
- His body was found near Stob Coire Nam Beith and his family is made aware
- He had last been seen around 1.30pm on March 6, near Stob Coire Nam Beith
The body of a hiker has been found after he and his dog went missing last Sunday, while walking in Glencoe, Scotland.
Police have confirmed that the body of Neil Gillingham, 43, has been recovered near Stob Coire Nam Beith, a summit on the Bidean Nam Bian mountain.
Mr Gillingham, from Kilmarnock was last seen around 1.30pm on March 6, with his springer spaniel Cooper, near the summit of 3632ft-high Stob Coire Nam Beith.
He had planned to walk a route from the Hidden Valley car park to Bidean Nam Bian and Stob Coire Nam Beith before descending to the Lost Valley.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: ‘We can confirm that a body recovered on Stob Coire Sgreamhach in Glencoe has been identified as missing hill walker Neil Gillingham.
‘Neil’s family have been made aware. They have asked for privacy. Thanks to all involved in searches and sharing our appeal.’
Police have confirmed that the body of Neil Gillingham (pictured with his dog Cooper), 43, has been recovered near Stob Coire Nam Beith, a summit on the Bidean Nam Bian mountain
Sgt Keith Almond said ‘our thoughts are with Neil’s family at what is a very difficult time for them,’ the BBC reports.
He added: ‘Officers would like to pass on their thanks to the mountain rescue teams, HM Coastguard helicopter crews and members of the public who assisted with the searches.
‘We would also like to thank all those who shared and responded to our appeal.’
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Searches for the missing hiker – which included mountain rescue teams, a coastguard search and a rescue helicopter – began this week, and on Monday Cooper was located safe and well.
Mr Gillingham’s death is the fourth fatality reported in the Highlands this week after a young climber had plunged 1,000 feet to his death off Ben Nevis during a deadly descent which saw 17 others become trapped while attempting to save him – including 12 soldiers.
Samuel Crawford, 28, fell in ‘ferocious’ and icy conditions on Tuesday some 3,000ft up Britain’s tallest peak, in the Scottish Highlands.
Mr Gillingham had planned to walk a route from the Hidden Valley car park to Bidean Nam Bian and Stob Coire Nam Beith (pictured in a file photo) before descending to the Lost Valley
On Wednesday the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team also shared a post on social media, saying it has been an ‘especially busy’ time for the team.
It added: ‘Since Saturday we’ve had 12 callouts and recovered 26 casualties.
‘Unfortunately three of these shouts resulted in fatalities and we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolence to the friends and family of those involved at this difficult time.
‘It would be remiss if we didn’t stress just how important it is to be adequately prepared for winter in the hills.
‘Having the ability to competently navigate with map and compass as well as having and being able to use crampons and axe are vital skills to have if you’re venturing into the hills.
‘Once again, to members of the public on the hill, team members, neighbouring teams who assisted, helicopter crews, those who fed and watered us and those who continue to generously donate – thank you!’
Source: Read Full Article