Hope fades for climber who went missing in blizzards

HOPE was fading last night for an experienced mountain rescuer missing in blizzard conditions on a notorious Highland range for two nights.

More than 50 colleagues of Pete Grant battled desperately against 90mph winds and driving snow yesterday to search the Achnashellach area in Wester Ross in the hope of finding him alive.

But the hunt was called off last night without success and is due to resume again at first light today.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have spoken to Mr Grant on Wednesday or Thursday, and who may have information about his planned route, to contact them.

Mr Grant, 49, a former member of the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association, failed to return from a solo ice climb in the Achnashellach area on Wednesday.

His car was found at a popular walkers' car park at Achnashellach, and there are several hills he may have headed for from that point, including the Five Sisters of Kintail.

Yesterday, his former colleagues were joined in the hunt by members of the Torridon and RAF Kinloss mountain teams and eight search and rescue dogs. A Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth was scrambled to assist but was grounded for most of the day due to the fierce conditions.

Mr Grant, an experienced rock and ice climber with advanced survival skills, had been expected back at his home in Balmacara, near Kyle of Lochalsh, on Wednesday evening. His son raised the alarm on Thursday when he had failed to return.

One of the rescuers said last night: "He is experienced, but we are concerned because of the weather conditions and he hasn't been seen since Wednesday."

Neil Hinchcliffe, the leader of the Torridon Mountain Rescue Team, said the rescuers had faced winds with average speeds of 60mph, but gusting to 90mph, and poor visibility "Because of the conditions, we had difficulty in progressing," he said.

He added that the rescuers had been sweeping a massive area in their search.

"Although he has been missing for quite some time, he is experienced and our fingers are crossed," he said.

Chief Inspector Paul Eddington, of Northern Constabulary, insisted the rescuers remained hopeful. "He has the survival skills and navigational skills to last in the hills," he said.

"But, obviously, as time goes by, then hope does fade."

Mr Grant is 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall, of athletic build and clean shaven. When last seen, he was wearing outdoor clothing and carrying a rucksack.