Body found during search for 'experienced walker' on Scots island

Daily Record

7 hours ago

Roderick MacPherson, known as Roddy, was last seen outside the Sligachan Hotel on the Isle of Skye on Monday, June 2.
A body has been found during searches for an "experienced walker" on the Isle of Skye.
Roderick MacPherson, known as Roddy, was last seen outside the Sligachan Hotel on Monday, June 2. Officers said the 67-year-old appeared to be walking in the direction of the Sligachan Bridge and has not been heard from since.
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Sadly, on Friday afternoon, the body of a man was traced by police and local mountain rescue teams in the Cuillins. Formal identification has yet to be made, but Roddy's heartbroken family have been informed.
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There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "On Friday afternoon, June 6 2025, the body of a man was traced by police and local mountain rescue teams in the Cuillins, Isle of Skye. There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
"Formal identification has yet to be made. The family of Roddy MacPherson, 67, who had been reported missing from Skye on Wednesday, June 4 2025, have been informed."
A spokesperson for the Skye Mountain Rescue Team confirmed they were called out on Wednesday morning to assist following reports that Roddy, who they described as "an experienced walker" had been reported missing.
Extensive searches were carried out, mainly focusing on the Red Hills and parts of the Northern Cuillin.
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On Thursday efforts shifted to the area around Bruach na Frìthe - and around midday on Friday, with improved weather, a body was sighted on a grassy ledge high on the cliffs between Harta and Lota Corries.
The spokesperson for the rescue team said: "It was immediately clear that lowering the casualty to safety would be long and technically demanding. A team member was lowered to a position above and confirmed there were no signs of life, and that significantly more equipment would be needed.
"Fortunately, Stornoway Coastguard Helicopter R948 was able to return and carry out a direct lift from the ledge—an incredible effort and a huge relief. The helicopter later returned multiple times to help extract the teams and equipment back to Sligachan."
They added: "Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roderick MacPherson at this very difficult time. While formal identification has yet to be made, we understand this will come as deeply sad news to those that knew him."