A BACKPACK belonging to a missing hillwalker has been found in a search for the man who disappeared in Glencoe five days ago.
Charles Kelly left his home in Tillicoultry on Wednesday, September 6, for a hike in the Glencoe area and last contacted his family at around 8pm on Thursday, according to Police Scotland.
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, RAF officers, Police MRTs, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter have all been launched to assist in a search, but confirmed Kelly has not been traced - apart from his rucksack.
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Brian Bathurst, deputy leader of the rescue team, said Kelly’s rucksack had been found on Saturday on 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.
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“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.”
The public are asked to contact Police Scotland if they have any information by calling 101 and quoting incident 4788 of the September 7.
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