Search intensifies for missing Dornoch man as aviation charity called in to help
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An aviation charity has been called in to help with the search for missing Dornoch man Stuart Campbell.
Aircraft from the UK Civil Air Patrol Scotland (UKCAPS) will today and tomorrow fly over the Ben Loyal and Tongue area, where Mr Campbell’s car was found at a car park most regularly used by walkers accessing Ben Loyal.
Mr Campbell (33), was reported missing on Monday, July 27, two days after it is believed he travelled to north Sutherland with the intention to go hill walking, although it is not known what route he intended to take.
Extensive searches were launched involving the Assynt and RAF mountain rescue teams, the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) and the HM Coastguard helicopter, but without success.
Family members, friends and volunteers have since continued daily searches.
One of those involved in the search yesterday posted on social media that UKCAPS aircraft would be in operation today.
His post stated: “Please can we have no drones or any other aircraft in the Ben Loyal/Tongue area flying on Thursday or Friday as we have UKCAPS using aircraft to search the area.
“They may be flying low in the area so don’t worry if you are out walking on the hills.
“Assynt Mountain Rescue Team are also out climbing the peak sections tomorrow and Friday, they are aware of all the UKCAPS plans.”
According to its website, UKCAPS provides occasional airborne assistance to first responders, organisations, agencies, groups and individuals who would otherwise not have access to such a facility.
Mr Campbell is described as 5ft 6in and of slim build with dark brown hair. It is unknown what he was wearing but is likely to have been carrying a black North Face branded rucksack.
Police Scotland is urging any walkers in the area to remain vigilant and officers remain keen to speak to anyone who was in the area during the weekend of 25-26 July in case they may have seen anything which could be of use.
Anyone who may have sighted Mr Campbell, or his Suzuki Swift, reg SY08 OFA, is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting incident number 2773
