A major search operation launched yesterday in Torridon for a missing hill runner who has not been seen since last weekend.
Alexander Brett is believed to have set off on a route covering Beinn Eighe, Beinn Dearg, Beinn Alligan and Liathach on Sunday but never returned.
He was not reported missing until Thursday when a member of the public raised the alarm after spotting his car in the area.
The 65-year-old from the Dingwall area is an experienced and accomplished hill runner, having completed the Ben Nevis race more than 30 times.
He has also competed in the Highland Cross duathlon several times, winning the over-60s race multiple times and has competed in events all over the world, including in the Atlas mountains and the Himalayas. Mr Brett is understood to have completed the Everest Marathon – a 26 mile trek across Nepal – in 1997.
He has run in the Torridon mountains several times and is also understood to be a member of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team, who were involved in the search for him yesterday.
Also involved were other rescue teams from Torridon and the RAF, as well as a police dog unit, handlers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association and the Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter.
Mr Brett is a founding member of Highland Hill Runners, which organises events all over the north.
Last night club president Russell McKechnie said: “Alex is a real adventurer and a huge character with a really dry sense of humour.
“He does a bit of mountain biking and he’s a climber as well. He’s a really active guy and he’s done that route in Torridon quite a few times and he knows the area well.”
He added: “Torridon would have been busy last weekend so somebody should have seen him and hopefully they’ll be able to help the police.”
Mr Brett is believed to have been wearing red running shorts, trainers, a black puffa jacket and a small black runners back pack on Sunday.
A police spokesman said: “If anyone has seen Alexander, or may have information regarding his whereabouts, they are urged to contact police on 101 with information.
“Police would also be keen to speak to members of the public who may have recently been out walking in the Beinn Eighe, Beinn Dearg, Beinn Alligan and Liathach areas.”