Body of hiker who went missing on camping trip is found in Scottish Highlands after two-year search

An experienced hiker who went missing almost two years ago has been found dead in the Scottish Highlands after a lengthy search. Hillwalker Ross Kinghorn was first reported missing in January 2023, after he disappeared after embarking on a three-day camping expedition.

The 57-year-old had set off by train from Linlithgow to Blair Atholl on the outskirts of the Cairngorms, January 16, with plans to head north and camp in Glen Tilt, before tackling the Beinn a' Ghlo trio of peaks. This is a large complex mountain range with challenging sections between its three peaks.

After he failed to return, Ross' partner issued a heartfelt plea for assistance while search teams combed the area north of Blair Atholl without success. 20 months on, today, police have stated that a man's body was discovered in the Glenfernate area of Blairgowrie, Perthshire - 10 miles east of Blair Atholl, where he had set off from.

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Krystl Ogilbert, Ross' partner, took to social media this evening to confirm the tragic news and express gratitude to all those who participated in the search, reports the Daily Record.

She posted: "As most of you will be aware it has been nearly 20 months since Ross failed to return from a planned hill walking trip in Blair Atholl. Last night we received a phone call informing us that Ross's body had been found.

"Ross' family would like to ask for their privacy to be respected at this time. Thank you to everyone for their on-going love and support throughout this process."

The family of Ross Kinghorn, whose body was tragically discovered in the Glenfernate area of Blairgowrie, have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the rescue teams involved in the search. They said: "We would also like to say a special thanks to the teams of dedicated staff and volunteers at Police Scotland MRT (Tayside), Tayside mountain rescue team and their colleagues from further afield for all of their commitment, kindness, love and support throughout this difficult time."

They also invited donations in Ross's memory: "In honour of Ross and his love of the hills we would like to invite anyone wishing to donate to the Tayside mountain rescue service."

Police Scotland released a statement confirming the discovery: "Around 4.50pm on Tuesday, 10 September, 2024, the body of a man was found in the Glenfernate area of Blairgowrie. Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing man Ross Kinghorn has been informed."

They added that there seemed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death: "There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

To honour Ross's passion for the mountains, his family have initiated a fundraising campaign for the Tayside Mountain Rescue Association, urging people to contribute by clicking here.