Major search underway for missing Highland man, 33, whose car was found near foot of Sutherland mountain

A major search operation is ongoing to trace a missing 33-year-old man in the Highlands.

Stuart Campbell, from Dornoch, was reported missing by his family on Monday July 27 after being in contact with friends over the previous weekend.

His car, a red Suzuki Swift with the registration number SY08 OFA, was found at a car park used by hillwalkers to access Ben Loyal, south of Tongue in north Sutherland on Tuesday.

Searches in the area have been ongoing involving police, the Assynt and RAF mountain rescue teams, rescue dogs and the coastguard helicopter.

Searches are ongoing for Stuart Campbell who was reported missing on Monday. Pic: Police Scotland

Chief Inspector Jamie Wilson said: "We believe that Stuart left his home with a rucksack and other belongings suggesting he intended to go walking.

"It is out of character for him not to be in contact with his family for this length of time and we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"We would urge anyone who may have seen him or his car at any time in the last few days to get in touch urgently. In particular we would urge anyone who has been walking in the Ben Loyal area to think back and let us know if you think you may have seen Stuart.

"I would take the opportunity to thank the members of the public who have helped so far and all our partner agencies for their assistance with searches."

Stuart is described as being 5ft 6in tall and of slim build with brown hair. It is unknown what he was wearing but is likely to have been carrying a black North Face branded rucksack.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club shared an appeal on social media yesterday which read: “Stuart is a valued colleague of ours and we would appreciate any help in finding him.”

Anyone with information about Stuart's whereabouts should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 2773 of 27 July.