Mountain rescuer dies while pursuing his passion for hills
Emotional tributes paid to Skye climber and popular colleague
MOUNTAIN rescuers have paid an emotional tribute to a team member who died from a suspected heart attack while out climbing the mountains he loved.
Stuart Ashton, 53, the treasurer of Skye Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), collapsed while out on the area’s mountains where he had been involved in countless rescues of other people who scale the rugged terrain.
Colleagues from Kintail Mountain Rescue Team went to Mr Ashton’s aid.
However, Mr Ashton died after being airlifted from Ciste Dhubh in Kintail to hospital in Inverness following last’s Friday’s incident.
His funeral will be held next week on the Isle of Skye.
The Skye rescue team said: “It is with great sadness and regret that Skye MRT wish to announce the recent death of one of its most valuable and respected team members: Stuart Ashton. He lost his life in the pursuit of something he was most passionate about. Stuart touched the hearts of everyone he came into contact with. He was always smiling and always enthusiastic.”
It continued: “His passing has left a void that will be very difficult to fill. Stuart’s commitment to Skye MRT, SARDA Scotland (Search and Rescue Dog Association) and Scottish Mountain Rescue was second to none.
“Skye MRT would like to offer Stuart’s family, and especially Tania, their support and dearest heartfelt condolences. STAND DOWN buddy, we will miss you.
“We’d also like to thank Kintail MRT, Skye and Lochalsh Police and the Cluanie Inn for their understanding, help and support.”
In response, his widow Tania posted:”Your very kind words are such a comfort. He really did love what he did.”
Mrs Ashton said a funeral service is to be held at 11am at the church at Fernilea next Friday.
She added: “Then we go down to the cemetery at Trien for the burial.
“I would be honoured that anyone who wishes, attend this sad occasion. We (our family and I) are asking that people do not send flowers but rather give a donation to Skye MRT/SARDA Scotland.
“Dress code is smart casual any colour you wish as Stuart hated the formality of suits.”
Friends and colleagues posted tributes to Mr Ashton.
Donna Macpherson wrote on Facebook: “Very sorry to hear this news, he was such a happy, friendly and chatty man whenever you saw him. Thoughts with his family.”
Calina MacDonald said: “So sad. Such a wonderful, caring, helpful person. He will be greatly missed.
Another friend, Nickos Dickens, wrote: “Sad news RIP Stuart thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Neil Sinclair said: “Tania we’re both shocked and saddened to hear the news. Although we only stayed a few days with you we often thought about both of you up there on Skye such is the mark that you and Stuart left on us. Stuart was a really nice and friendly guy.”
Police are to send a report to the procurator fiscal.