Search underway for missing climbers on Ben Nevis

A search is underway on the UK's highest mountain for two missing climbers.

Tim Newton and Rachel Slater

Tim Newton, 27, and Rachel Slater, 24, from the Bradford area, had been climbing on the mountain over the weekend.

They are believed to have been camped behind the CIC hut, below the north face of the mountain, in a green tent.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried out searches on Monday night with further searches now under way.

The Scottish Association of Search and Rescue Dogs is helping with the search, providing five specially trained sniffer dogs.

The area where the couple camped is a popular entry route into the Carn Mor Dearg Arete.

The narrow walk leads to the summit of Ben Nevis and scales a 2000ft cliff drop, known as the North Face, into the Coire Leis gully below, where the CIC hut is located.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “As part of ongoing searches for two missing climbers in the Ben Nevis area, police in Fort William are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area over the weekend to make contact.

“Concern was raised on Monday, February 15, for Rachel Slater and Tim Newton.

“It is believed the couple camped in the vicinity of the CIC hut in a green tent and would have been wearing climbing gear.

“Searches by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team took place last night with further searches underway today with additional resources.

“Anyone who was climbing or walking in the Ben Nevis area over the weekend and saw the couple is urged to contact 101.”

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