Mountain rescuers have spoken of the horrific “bombshell” moment they realised they were on a mission to find the body of one of their own team.
Joe Smith, a member of the Glencoe mountain rescue team, was killed alongside his friend Simon Davidson in a suspected avalanche at the weekend.
Police confirmed the identities of the two experienced climbers, who they said had “fallen some distance” on Stob Coire nam Beith.
It was the first time the Glencoe team has been called out to respond to a fatal accident involving one of their colleagues.
Team leader Andy Nelson, said: “It has been pretty desperate really.
“We did have a suspicion that it was going to be Joe because his car was in the car park and he was later than I would be expecting him to come back.
“But it was a real bombshell. The team did incredibly well.”
Mr Smith, who was 23 and had been with the team for about a year, lived in Kinlochleven but was originally from the Lancashire area.
“He was one of those guys you meet sometimes that is just full of goodness. A good egg,” Mr Nelson said.
Mr Davidson, who was 34 and from Edinburgh, was also an experienced climber.
George McEwan, executive officer at Mountain Training Scotland, had him as a student on a Ben Nevis ice climbing course seven years ago.
“When I had him as a client I was impressed by his enthusiasm. He was super enthusiastic and he was pretty dedicated. We did a lot of really good routes,” he said.
“Any time, whether you know them or not, folk dying on mountains always strikes a chord with people because it is so close to home.
“It’s pretty rare in mountaineering. Usually when something does happen it’s someone you don’t know, but when it is someone you know, it always hits that little bit keener.”
Mr McEwan said he had not seen Mr Davidson for about eight months, but believed he had recently been working in Aviemore and in Wales, before deciding to go back to Glencoe.
The pair were found by another climbing party on Stob Coire nam Beith at about 4.30pm on Saturday.
The weather in the area was described as “a typical winter day – snowing with wind on top”.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service labelled the risk in Glencoe on Saturday as “considerable”, a warning that remains in place.
Mr Nelson said: “The guys were roped together, so it is possible they were still on the climb but they have clearly fallen some distance.
“My information is that they have been killed instantly by the fall. They had all the relevant equipment and there is nothing to suggest that they were ill-equipped or inexperienced.”
Tributes flooded in for the two men on social media last night.
Mountain And Glen, which organises the “Three Peaks Challenge” events, posted: “Devastated to hear Simon Davidson has been killed climbing in Glen Coe. He led Nevis leg of many 3 peaks for us. Thoughts with his family.”
The Ice Factor climbing centre in Kinlochleven said: “Our thoughts are with the families of the two climbers who lost their lives in Glencoe at the weekend.”
Ochils Mountain Rescue Team said: “Both men we’re very experienced climbers and held in very high regard by the outdoor community.
“Joe was a member of Glencoe MRT so obviously made a lot of sacrifices in helping others.
“Our thoughts are with both families and also Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team at this very tragic time.”