Body found in hunt for hillwalker
Man, 65, lost on mountain in 100mph gales
A BODY was found yesterday in the search for a hillwalker missing on a mountain in 100mph gales and blizzards.
More than 80 people were involved in a major operation on Lochnagar in Aberdeenshire to try to find a 65-year-old man who had failed to return from a walk on Friday.
Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Mountain rescue teams have worked tirelessly and in extremely difficult conditions this weekend.
“It is sad to learn that someone has succumbed to the elements. Our thoughts are with family and friends.”
The search began in “very challenging” conditions on Friday night but efforts were hampered by blizzards and winds gusting up to 100mph.
Mountain rescue teams from Braemar, Aberdeen, RAF Lossiemouth and Tayside joined forces for the operation, with help from search and rescue dogs and a helicopter.
Braemar Mountain Rescue posted on Facebook: “After further searches, unfortunately a body was recovered from the Lochnagar area.”
They thanked everyone involved in the search.
Earlier, police had revealed the man had raised the alarm by phone on Friday.
He was seen on a path ascending Lochnagar that afternoon but contact was lost later on. Inspector Matt Smith said: “We got a couple of calls through but had pretty much no contact since Friday night.
“The weather conditions were absolutely atrocious. Videos have appeared on social media showing the blizzards and wind we were up against.
“The rescue helicopter was beaten back on the first night. Very, very difficult conditions.”