Tributes to 'leading light' who died skiing alone in Cairngorms

Tributes have been paid to a man who died while skiing in the Cairngorms alone.

Alarms were raised when Sam Burns failed to return to his van, which was parked at the Cairngorm Mountain car park.

Officers said the 40-year-old from Aviemore last contacted his friends at around 11.30am on Friday.

At around 11am on Saturday, the body of a man was discovered in the Northern Cairngorms during a search operation involving Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue and the HM Coastguard helicopter.

40-year-old Sam Burns was reported missing from Aviemore Police Scotland

The experienced mountaineer and skier had joined the Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club committee as assistant events officer.

Over the last year, he skied many of the most coveted steep lines in Scotland: the Tower Double on Ben Nevis and a very fast traverse of the Skye Cullin in the summer.

Club president Brendan Hughes said: “He was both highly competent and capable in the mountains and one of the club’s leading lights.

“Sam joined the club committee at our AGM in May and, as assistant events officer, was already channelling his huge energy and enthusiasm back into the club for the benefit of all of our members.

“I know many of you will have questions, but now is the time for us to mourn the loss of a great friend and celebrate a life lived very much to the full.”

An online memorial book has been created in tribute to Sam.

Peter Finklaire wrote: “Such a pleasure to have known you Sam. You’ll be missed.”

His sister, Amy Tarren added: “Sending thanks and love to all who knew Sam. He was my brother and it brings comfort to hear these words about him.

“We will be forever grateful for the joy he found in this community, as well as the efforts of the mountain rescue team and his friends.”