‘Disappearance of Ross has left a big void in our hearts’
It is approaching three months since Ross Kinghorn was first reported missing when out exploring the Highland Perthshire hills.
But his partner has not given up hope of his return with his disappearance leaving a “big void” in the hearts of his family.
Kirstie Ogilvie has also renewed heartfelt pleas to the Blair Atholl public, hikers and hillwalkers to help her in her desperate search.
Ross travelled by train on Monday, January 16 from Linlithgow to the village, where he planned to camp on Glen Tilt and climb the three peaks of Beinn a’ Ghlo over the course of three days.
The 57-year-old was then reported missing on Friday, January 20 when he failed to return home as planned.
The last reported sightings of Ross were on January 16.
Scottish Mountain Rescue stepped in to help the police in its search with helicopters brought in at the start of February.
Tayside Police recently confirmed that enquiries are still ongoing.
Ross is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with a bald head and is believed to be wearing a blue beanie hat, blue waterproof jacket, green fleece, grey walking trousers and brown boots.
The ‘ Please help find Ross Kinghorn’ Facebook group was set up on Saturday with 185 members so far.
Partner Kirstie took to the page on Tuesday pleading with people in the area for help, repeating calls made at the beginning of March.
Her statement reads: “In a few days’ time it will be three months since Ross left for a hills trip to Blair Atholl from which he did not return; leaving a big void in our hearts and so many unanswered questions.
“Despite extensive searches by the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team, Ross Kinghorn has not yet been found.
“Despite being an extremely experienced hillwalker Ross did not return home as planned and did not make it back to his kit bag which he had stashed on the outskirts of Blair Atholl.”
Ross was wearing a dark puffa style jacket under his waterproof. He had a blue, silver and black walking pole along with small black rucksack and blue North Face gloves.
He was also in possession of a small two-wheeled trolley, which was recovered as police renewed their appeals in January.
“We know that following dropping off his bag he made his way on foot towards Loch Moraig car park at the foot of Carn Liath,” Kirstie added.
“We have three positive sightings of Ross on the afternoon of Monday, January 16.”
Ross was reportedly firstly sighted from a distance at the summit of Carn Liath, then on the ridge between Carn Liath and Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and finally on the second summit Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain.
These are the last known sightings of the hillwalker.
“What we don’t know is whether Ross attempted to descend off the second summit or push on and take in the third summit, Carn Nan Gabhar,” she added.
“Until any further evidence comes forward all official searches continue to be on hold.
“We are grateful to the Civil Air Support team who are hoping to continue the search now that the snow is thawing and the spring is here.
“Additionally, now that the weather is improving, we would like to appeal again to any hillwalkers, hill runners and cyclists who are in the area to please look out for any items which may be linked to Ross.
“In particular around ascent and descent routes from Carn liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn- Bhalgain and Carn Nan Gabhar.
“Any information may prove crucial in helping us to find Ross.”
She concluded: “We are very grateful to the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team and their colleagues from further afield, Police Scotland, all of the support from the local people of Blair Atholl and those others who have helped out in the search to find Ross so far.
“This includes our family and friends who have supported us to navigate this very difficult and emotional journey.”
If you have any information, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting ref 1588 of January 20.
The dedicated Facebook page to finding Ross can be found at www. facebook. com/ groups/6140954582655978