Searches continue for 'experienced' hillwalker who failed to return from Ben Nevis hike

Searches are continuing for an experienced hillwalker who failed to return from a planned hike on Ben Nevis.

Brian Mcgillicuddy was last seen around 4am on Thursday in Glasdrum Road area of Fort William.

It is believed the 64-year-old intended to walk up to the CIC Hut on Ben Nevis and may have been on Orion Face Direct.

He was reported missing after failing to return from the hike.

On Sunday, mountain rescue teams from Glencoe and Lochaber joined the search for the 64-year-old.

Brian is described as 6ft 1ins tall, of slim build, with short grey/white hair. When last seen, he was wearing a white climbing helmet, a dark blue jacket, white jeans and blue and red gaiters.

Sergeant Gareth Ford said: “Extensive searches, involving specialist resources, are ongoing despite challenging conditions.

“We are not sure of Brian’s intended route, so I’m appealing to anyone who thinks they may have seen him, or someone matching the description, in the area on Thursday to come forward.

“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could greatly assist our search teams.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3544 of February 19, 2026.