Police have recovered a body during the search for a Belgian tourist who disappeared after setting off on a hike in the Cuillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye.
Hector Patemore, 45, was last seen on Sunday morning, September 13, as he left the Youth Hostel in Glen Brittle in Torrin at around 10.45am to begin his walk. He had planned to climb Sgurr Na Banachdich and descend via Coire Na Banachdich, a route police described as “relatively straightforward”.
Search and recovery
The seasoned hillwalker failed to return to his accommodation and had not contacted his family. He was reported missing at around 10.25pm on Sunday.
At approximately 2pm on Monday, September 14, a body was recovered during a search of the Cuillin area, police confirmed. Formal identification has yet to take place, but Mr Patemore’s family have been informed of the discovery.
Police statement
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The search involved multiple agencies, including Police Scotland and mountain rescue teams, according to the Daily Record.
Mr Patemore, a Belgian national, was an experienced walker, which made his failure to return particularly concerning to authorities. The Cuillin range is known for its challenging terrain, but the route he intended to take was considered relatively straightforward for a hillwalker of his experience.
Next steps
The recovery operation concluded on Monday afternoon, and the area has been secured. A report on the death will now be prepared for the procurator fiscal, and formal identification procedures will follow in due course.
