Search hike planned for missing walker Neil Skinner

Search and rescue volunteers hoping to solve the mystery of missing walker Neil Skinner are getting ready for a co-ordinated hike in the Bridge of Orchy, where he disappeared just over a year ago, Kathie Griffiths.

The 71-year-old’s daughter Kate Armitage accepted help from voluntary search service Beneath The Surface to organise a weekend covering new ground over the Bank Holiday, May 27-29.

Phil Jones from Beneath The

Service put out an appeal for experienced hikers to come and join the search.

Information on joining the Hike for Neil can be found here: www.facebook.com/groups/2535972176540639/?ref=share_group_link.

Neil’s daughter Kate told The Oban Times: “We are also still going up at the end of the month as a family to retrace dad’s steps to the loch and plan to place a memorial plaque I have had made.”

Last week, Police Scotland renewed its appeal for information to help trace the pensioner from Doncaster.

It is thought Neil was last seen camping close to Loch Dochard on Sunday May 8, 2022. He was reported missing to the police on Monday May 9, 2022.

Described as 5ft 8in tall, with short white hair, a white goatee-type beard and as wearing glasses, he had been wearing a green jacket and grey walking trousers.

Police Scotland Inspector

Lee Page, said: “Neil has now been missing for a year and we know what a difficult period this has been for his family and friends.

“Sadly, despite extensive police inquiries and searches by officers and our partners, he remains missing.

“We have kept in regular contact with his family during what has been an incredibly difficult time for them and we will continue to support them in any way we can.

“Any new information received will continue to be investigated fully and I would urge anyone with information on Neil’s whereabouts to contact police on 101, quoting reference 3773 of 9 May, 2022.”

Neil’s tent was discovered near Loch Dochard, along with his belongings still inside, walking poles stuck in the ground and his overnight oats still soaking for breakfast.

Specialist and extensive searches were carried out at the time.