Missing hillwalker found dead after rescue effort amid Aurora Borealis near Arrochar

A missing hillwalker was found dead after mountain rescuers launched an urgent search to find him in Argyll and Bute.

Police were called on Sunday after a 66-year-old man failed to return home after setting out on a planned walk on Beinn an Lochain.

Officers joined the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team searching the mountain area for the man.

The rescue effort came amid a very bright display of the Northern Lights that saw the Aurora Borealis visible across much of Scotland.

At around 10.25pm, they discovered the man’s body which had no vital signs.

A HM Coastguard helicopter was dispatched from Prestwick towards the Munro where it aided in recovering the body at around 12.30am on Monday.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the man’s family were informed.

An Arrochar Mountain Rescue spokesperson said: “Arrochar Mountain Rescue was tasked with locating a missing hillwalker, unfortunately on locating him there were no vital signs, we recovered the body with the help of HM Coastguard.

“Our condolences go out to his family.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware around 7.05pm on Sunday, February 26, of concern for a 66-year-old man who had not returned as planned from a walk on Beinn an Lochain in the Arrochar area.

“A search was carried out involving the Police Scotland and Arrochar mountain rescue teams and the HM Coastguard helicopter.

“The man’s body was found on the hill around 10.25pm. His next of kin were made aware.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”