Missing Glen Etive bicycle replaced

A PHOTOGRAPHER has replaced a rusty old bicycle that became a landmark in a Highland glen after it disappeared without a trace earlier this year.

The old bicycle went missing in May. Picture: Contributed

It is thought the distinctive bike had been leaning against a tumbledown shed in picturesque Glen Etive for at least 40 years.

It has been snapped by photographers and tourists all over the world.

Its disappearance in May was met with dismay by people returning to the Lochaber glen.

Professional photographer Karl Griffin, 40, who runs Glencoe Photography and takes clients on photography tours of the glen, decided the bike should be replaced.

He has been looking for a suitable substitute ever since the original disappeared -- eventually finding a rusty black Raleigh bike that was about 25-30 years old on eBay.

He has now propped it up against the shed, once the engine room servicing power for the glen.

Mr Griffin explained that he used to start his tours at the bottom of the glen and stop at the bike at Invercharnan on the way back.

He said on Monday: “It was always appearing on photography forums and websites.

“Everybody knew the Glen Etive bike.

“I was mortified when I discovered it had gone.

“No one knew who left it there or why but, from talking to locals, it seems it had been there for at least 40 years.

“I have no idea why anyone took it.

“The wheels were all bent and its spokes were popped out.

“It wouldn’t have been any use.”

Mr Griffin was delighted when he found a suitable replacement on the online auction site and had to stop its previous owner from cleaning it up and oiling it before he took possession.

Mr Griffin said: “I told him to leave it just the way it was.

“The older and rustier it looked the better.

“It’s in better condition than the original but it looks as though it’s been there for years.

“Everyone seems to be pleased it is back.”