A backpack has been found in the search for a missing hillwalker who disappeared in Glencoe five days ago.
Charles Kelly left his home in Tillicoultry on Wednesday, September 6, and last contacted his family at around 8pm on Thursday.
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, the RAF, Police MRTs and a coastguard search and rescue helicopter have all launched a search, but confirmed Mr Kelly has not been traced.
Deputy team leader of Glencoe MRT, Brian Bathurst, revealed that Mr Kelly’s rucksack had been found on Saturday on 864 metre high Beinn Mhic Chasgaig.
He said: “It must have fallen about 350 metres as it is very steep there, but there was no sign of Mr Kelly.
“The water bottles were empty and it has been very hot recently, so he may not have water and could be disorientated.
“We have been over the ground with a fine tooth comb – used drones, search dogs and a helicopter and we can find no other trace of him.
“The only thing we can think of is that he may have retraced his steps. Where he dropped the rucksack is really steep ground.
“He parked his car at the Glencoe Ski Centre and was positively identified by staff there.
“We do not believe he is that experienced a hillwalker and he is normally accompanied on his walks.
“He messaged his wife on Thursday, I believe, to say he was ok but lost. We will search again today and will not give up hope yet.
“We are all hoping for a positive outcome, but it is a bit baffling at the moment where he is.”
Members of the public with any information that can help with the search are asked to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting incident 4788 of the September 7.
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