Hike remembers Neil Skinner
A group of volunteers got together for a hike near Bridge of Orchy last weekend in memory of Neil Skinner, and in an effort to try to find the missing walker.
Doncaster man Neil, who was 71 when he vanished, was reported missing in the area just over a year ago while hiking and was last seen camping near Loch Dochard around Sunday May 8.
Between Saturday May 27 and Monday May 29, Mr Skinner’s family were joined by volunteers and by the voluntary search service Beneath the Surface as they retraced his steps. Beneath the Surface’s Phil Jones had put out an appeal for experienced hikers to join the search in the run-up to the Bank Holiday weekend.
▮ At 22.25pm on Saturday May 27, at Station Square, Oban, police were interacting with a gathering of young people when a boy allegedly began to shout abuse at officers. During the interaction he became volatile and abusive, swearing at police and members of the public. The 14-year-old was arrested
Mr Skinner’s daughter, Kate Armitage said: “Sadly no trace of dad from the weekend’s searches, but it was a great weekend. Really emotional retracing his steps from the car park to the loch with my family.
and charged and a referral will be made to the Early and Effective Intervention programme.
▮ At 11.15am on Monday May 22, at Catalina Avenue, Oban, police were called to a report of a female allegedly attacking a male. On arrival, they found a man with injuries, and as a result of allegations made, a 31-year-old woman was charged. A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
“We placed a lovely memorial plaque at the loch near where he camped and spent some time there thinking about him. We got to meet some wonderful volunteers who gave their time to search for dad and have continued to search over the next few days, so we’re extremely thankful to them.”
Ms Armitage added: “Phil from Beneath the Surface has made all this possible and done an amazing job of raising awareness of dad’s disappearance among the walking community; he’s a wonderful guy giving his time up and at personal cost to himself.”
In a post on Facebook on Saturday (May 28), Beneath the Surface said: “A second day of searching for Neil Skinner in the area of Loch Dochard. Today we had sun burn and midges to contend with but
▮ At 9.20pm on Saturday May 13, at Beinn Lora Drive, Benderloch, a 13-year-old boy was allegedly being abusive to a woman. He has now been reported for his behaviour and a referral has been made to the Early and Effective Intervention programme.
▮ At 3.15 pm on Sunday May 28, at Etive Road, Dunbeg, police were called after a woman was allegedly shouting abuse at another woman, in breach of her that won’t stop us. Thank you once again to the volunteers who joined us. While Neil still hasn’t been located we ask anyone visiting the area to keep an eye out for Neil who was wearing a green jacket and grey walking trousers.
“If you’re thinking of a hiking holiday and are undecided where to go please consider Loch Dochard. Hike with a cause.”
Earlier this month, Police Scotland renewed an appeal for information to trace Mr Skinner, who was first reported missing on Monday May 9, 2022.
He is described as 5ft 8in tall, with short white hair, a white goatee-type beard and wearing glasses. He was last seen wearing a green jacket and grey walking trousers.
Police inspector Lee Page said: “Neil has now been
undertaking conditions. Following investigation the 60-year-old woman was arrested and charged, and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.
▮ At 10.30pm on Thursday May 25, at Ledaig branch road, Tobermory, a man was reported to police for removing a helmet from the rear of a parked scooter then throwing it into the sea. Police investigated, securing CCTV showing the offence. A 61-year-old man 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.”
Mr Skinner’s tent was found near Loch Dochard with his belongings still inside and specialist and extensive searches were carried out at the time of his disappearance.
was identified, charged with the offence and issued a recorded police warning. ▮ On Saturday May 27, at Kilkenneth, Isle of Tiree, a man allegedly was in charge of a dog out of control, which went on to bite livestock. The owner and dog have been identified by police, with the owner, a 51-year-old man, being charged with the offence detailed and a report being submitted to the procurator fiscal.