Body found in Highlands in hunt for Edinburgh man

THE body of a hillwalker has been discovered in the Highlands following a three-day search for a missing man.

Police confirmed that a body had been found in the Steall Falls area. Picture: Contributed

The search for Alistair Porteous was launched when his family reported him missing from his home in Edinburgh and his car was discovered in Glen Nevis.

Mr Porteous left his house at The Steils, Greenbank, last Wednesday afternoon without telling his family or friends where he was going.

Police from Fort Willian found his Saab car parked at the head of Glen Nevis on Saturday morning and, with concern for his welfare increasing, the search was mobilised.

Around 80 mountain rescuers from Lochaber, Glencoe, the RAF and Penrith teams, sniffer dogs, and a Royal Navy helicopter were involved.

The search was hampered by high winds, snow and avalanche warnings.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Sadly the body of a man has been found in the Steall Falls area. The family of Mr Porteous have been made aware.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Mr Porteous was described as an avid and competent hillwalker.

Steall Falls is the locations of the UK’s second highest waterfall and featured as the backdrop for the dragon fight in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

Around 40,000 visitors make their way to the 393ft-high tourist attraction each year.