Abandoned camping equipment raises missing person fears in Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven was rife with speculation last week as photographs showing abandoned camping equipment and other items circulated on social media.
The items were discovered at a popular wild camping spot on the West Highland Way, heading out of the village towards Fort William.
Village resident Sophie Leatherbarrow came across the site while walking her dogs. She said: ‘From the look of some of the items left there, it wasn’t a walker, but rather someone who had made their camp for a while then left it behind when they moved on. There were just too many heavy and unnecessary items for it to be someone walking the West Highland Way.’
The immediate reaction by some was that the items had been left by an inconsiderate group who had been wild camping and holding a party, but that soon changed after a closer inspection.
Several residents highlighted that homeless man had been in the area recently and had been receiving occasional meals at the Salvation Army.
Ms Leatherbarrow added this man talked about being ‘discreet’ and looking for privacy, which would not have been possible on this popular walking route.
The day after the photographs were posted, the items were cleared up by two residents. They filled 10 bin bags which were removed from the area.
Kinlochleven Community Trust reported the site to the police due to fears of it being the camp of a missing person.
A spokesperson said: ‘It was most likely left by someone living off grid that has left the area and not West Highland Way campers as first expected. Since then several kind members of the community have cleared it up.
‘We’re hoping people keep reporting these incidents to us to monitor the West Highland Way and ensure we report potential missing people to the police.’
The trust is organising a Walkers are Welcome litter pick for Saturday March 28, ahead of the busy visitor season when many people will come through Kinlochleven via the West Highland Way.