Tributes have been paid to a 'true gentleman' hillwalker after his body was discovered in Glencoe.
Police confirmed Neil Gillingham had been found in tragic circumstances having gone missing with his springer spaniel Cooper near the summit of Stob Coire Nam Beith around 1.30pm on Sunday March 6.
The 43-year-old planned to walk a route from the Hidden Valley car park to Bidean Nam Bian and Stob Coire Nam Beith before descending to the Lost Valley.
A family member on Tuesday confirmed that Cooper had been traced but there was still no sign of hillwalker Neil who hailed from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.
But sadly Highlands and Islands Police Division revealed that a body discovered on Stob Coire Sgreamhac has been identified as Neil.
His tragic passing has sparked a wave of tributes from loved ones.
In social media posts Neil was hailed as 'a cracking guy' and an 'absolute gem' who would 'give his last to anyone'.
Nina Proudfoot wrote:"RIP Neil, a true gentleman.
"Thinking of the Gillingham family at this heartbreaking time."
Clair Lyal posted: "Absolutely gutted to hear this.
"Neil was such a lovely guy."
Kerry Loy added: "So sorry to hear this sad news.
"He was an absolutely gem of a guy."
Debbie Anderson commented: "So sorry to hear this. Neil was a lovely guy.
"Thinking of the family at this time."
Gerry Martin wrote: "So, so sad, lovely guy.
"Wouldn’t harm a fly and would give his last to anyone.
"Will be sorely missed.
"My heart goes out to his family."
Derek Mcrobert added: "RIP Neil, was a cracking guy."
And Raymond Calrk wrote: "One of the good guys, my heart goes out to all his family, so grateful to have known you Neil.
"RIP old friend."
Neil's passing was cited as a sudden death but is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Police expressed their condolences to Neil's family at 'what is a very difficult time for them'.
Officers also thanked HM Coastguard and mountain rescue crews and members of the public assisted with the huge search as well as those who shared the online appeal.
Sergeant Keith Almond said: “Our thoughts are with Neil’s family at what is a very difficult time for them.
"Officers would like to pass on their thanks to the mountain rescue teams, HM Coastguard helicopter crews and members of the public who assisted with the searches.
“We would also like to thank all those who shared and responded to our appeal.”
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