A man who was reported missing while on a walking and climbing expedition in the north has been found safe and well in a bothy in a remote area of the Highlands.
Dale Finnie was traced near Loch Quoich in Inverness-shire after a member of the public – who saw a police appeal – reported seeing his car.
Mr Finnie’s family raised the alarm on Sunday when the experienced climber, who was travelling alone, abruptly broke off contact with them.
The 26-year-old from England was thought to have been in the Lochinver area of Sutherland or Glen Affric in Inverness-shire as he had said he intended to visit these areas.
But he was found at Kinloch Hourn – the area where the body of former Press and Journal reporter and keen hillwalker Clive Dennier, 50, of Inverness, was discovered earlier this year after a two-month search.
Mr Finnie had been visiting various locations in the region since the beginning of September and had been keeping in regular contact with his family, so they became concerned when they had not heard from him for several days.
Police issued his description and details of his car in the hope someone had seen him or the vehicle in recent days. And a police spokes-woman yesterday said: “Police received positive information as to the whereabouts and safety of Dale Finnie.
“We would like to thank the public for their swift response.”
She said Mr Finnie’s car was traced and someone matching his description was seen in the area on Monday .
“He was quickly traced in the Loch Quoich area of Kinloch Hourn, where he was staying at Barrisdale Bothy and he was asked to make contact with officers to let them know he was OK,” said the spokes-woman.
She added Mr Finnie, who was doing a lot of planned walking in the area, had been experiencing problems with his mobile phone.
In a separate incident, Skye student Liam Colven, who is studying in Falkirk, was due to visit a relative in Glasgow on Saturday before catching the bus home to Skye.
His family became concerned about him and called the police on Sunday after he failed to visit the relative or return home as expected and they were unable to get in touch with him. The police spokes-woman yesterday said Mr Colven had since made contact with his family.