David Kerr
A major land and air search was launched in Glencoe yesterday after a hillwalker was reported missing.
Robin Garton was reporting missing on Monday, after failing to meet up with friends in the Kinlochewe area as planned.
The 69-year-old’s car has since been found at Achnambeithach, just off the A82 Fort William to Glasgow road, and it is thought he may have gone for a walk in the Glencoe area during his journey north.
But despite a major search – involving Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team and their RAF counterparts, along with handlers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association, and the Inverness-based coastguard helicopter – no trace of the former art dealer has been found.
The search, which is understood to have covered Aonach Eagach ridge, Coire an Beith and Bidean Nam Bian areas, was called off last night.
Mr Garton, of Wiltshire, had been staying near Buachaille Etive Mor.
He checked out of his accommodation at around 8am on Friday, and had plans to travel north to meet friends on Sunday.
But police say he failed to meet them as arranged and was reported missing on Monday afternoon.
Mr Garton is understood be a former art dealer who founded a charity called the Glacier Trust when he retired in 2008. The charity supports science projects in Nepal.
Mr Garton is described as 6ft 2in, slim to medium build and has fair hair which is slightly balding. He occasionally wears glasses.
He has been described by police as an “experienced and keen mountaineer”.
It is not known what he was wearing. Anyone with information should contact police on 101.