Searches continue for hill walker missing since Saturday

Searches are continuing for an overdue hill walker who failed to return from a walk in the highlands on Saturday, sparking concern.
Stephen MitchellStephen Mitchell
Stephen Mitchell

57-year-old Stephen Mitchell set off on Friday near the Strathcarron Hotel in Wester Ross and planned to walk in Bendronaig Lodge, Lurg Mhor and Bearneas areas.

A sighting of him was recorded near Beinn Dronaig on the morning of Saturday February 24, but he has not returned from his walk, with search and rescue operations still seeking him.

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Mountain rescue teams from RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Leeming and Torridon are with the Search and Rescue Dogs Association and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency search and rescue helicopter.

Mr Mitchell is described as being 6ft tall with grey hair and grey stubble, and while walking carries a black rucksack and either an orange or sulphur coloured sleeping bag.

Sergeant Bruce Crawford said: “As time passes we are naturally increasingly concerned for Mr Mitchell’s wellbeing and I would ask anybody who thinks they have seen him or someone matching his description to contact us.

“We have heard from a number of other walkers who were in this area at the weekend and we’re grateful for all of the information we have received.

“Mr Mitchell intended to stay in bothies during his walk. We know from guest books from the bothies in the area that there were other walkers who stayed there over the weekend who we have yet to hear from.

“I would ask that these people get in touch. Any information or possible sightings, even if it was something you thought was inconsequential at the time, could help us in our search.”

Anyone with information regarding Stephen Mitchell’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference NP1324/18.