The partner of a missing Scots hillwalker who disappeared almost three months ago says she has been left with a 'void in her heart' and 'so many unanswered questions'.
Ross Kinghorn travelled by train on Monday, January 16 from Linlithgow to Blair Atholl, where he planned to camp on Glen Tilt and climb the three peaks of Beinn a’ Ghlo over three days. However, when the 57-year-old failed to return home as planned on Friday, January 20, he was reported missing to police.
A huge search effort was launched for the experienced climber, with Tayside Mountain Rescue Team called into assist and helicopters brought in at the start of February to sweep the vast terrain. Despite these efforts, Ross remains missing and all official searches have been put hold until any fresh evidence emerges.
Ross was last seen by a fellow hillwalker on the second summit of Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain on the afternoon of Monday, January 16. He described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with a bald head and was dressed in a blue beanie hat, blue waterproof jacket, green fleece, grey walking trousers and brown boots.
Ross was also wearing a dark puffa-style jacket under his waterproof. He had a blue, silver and black walking pole along with small black rucksack and blue North Face gloves.
He was also in possession of a small two-wheeled trolley, which was recovered as police in January.
Partner Crystal Rog, who last saw Ross when she dropped him off at the Linlithgow Train Station, is now urging people in the Blair Atholl area to keep an eye out for any items that could help authorities locate him. In a fresh appeal posted to Facebook, she wrote: "In a few days’ time it will be 3 months since Ross left for a hills trip to Blair Atholl from which he did not return; leaving a big void in our hearts and so many unanswered questions.
"Despite extensive searches by the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team; Ross Kinghorn has not yet been found. Ross was dropped at Linlithgow train station on Monday 16th January to board the train to Blair Atholl; he planned to walk in the bridge of tilt area taking in the Beinn a'ghlo hills.
"Despite being an extremely experienced hill walker Ross did not return home as planned and did not make it back to his kit bag which he had stashed on the outskirts of Blair Atholl. We know that following dropping off his bag he made his way on foot towards Loch Moraig car park at the foot of Carn Liath."
Crystal continued: "Until any further evidence comes forward all official searches continue to be on hold. We are grateful to the Civil Air Support team who are hoping to continue the search now that the snow is thawing and the Spring is here.
"Additionally, now that the weather is improving, we would like to appeal again to any hillwalkers, hill runners and cyclists who are in the area to please please look out for any items which may be linked to Ross. In particular; around ascent and descent routes (including lesser-known routes) from Carn liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn- Bhalgain and Carn Nan Gabhar. Any information may prove crucial in helping us to find Ross.
"We are very grateful to the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team and their colleagues from further afield, Police Scotland, all of the support from the local people of Blair Atholl and those others who have helped out in the search to find Ross so far. This includes our family and friends who have supported us to navigate this very difficult and emotional journey."
Anyone with information on Ross's whereabouts should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting ref 1588 of 20th January 2023.
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