Hillwalker’s body found weeks after brother died
THE body of a hillwalker who went missing with his brother in the Highlands has been recovered.
Neil and Alan Gibson failed to return from a planned walk in the Achnashellach area of Strathcarron on February 8.
The body of Alan, 56, was recovered on February 10 following extensive searches, and later the remains of their black pointer dog Archie were found.
A body was recovered on Sunday and has now been confirmed as that of Neil, 63, from Nairn.
Police thanked volunteers and partner search agencies who ‘made tireless efforts to find Neil, Alan and Archie’.
Sergeant Graham Cameron said: ‘As always, they persevered and worked incredibly hard to battle some difficult and dangerous conditions in the hope of giving family and friends some closure.’
He added: ‘My thoughts remain with Neil and Alan’s family today, who have shown such strength and bravery when faced with such a tragedy.’
Mountain rescue teams from Torridon, Kintail, Glenelg and the RAF were involved in the extensive search, helped by search and rescue dogs and a Coastguard helicopter.
It is feared that Neil was caught in an avalanche, and rescuers had warned there needed to be significant snow melt before he could be found.
Alan’s funeral took place last month – with donations going to rescuers.
His body was discovered in freezing, snowy conditions on Beinn Liath Mhor.
The brothers, originally from Nairn and both experienced Munro-baggers, were sons of Rev Cameron Gibson, former minister of Nairn Old Parish Church.
A committal service for Alan, who most recently lived in County Durham, took place at Inverness Crematorium.
It was followed by a celebration of the father of two’s life at a service at Nairn Old Parish Church.