Missing hiker's bag found without fruit he packed as mystery goes on

29 September 2023 , 21:10

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Searches go on for Charlie Kelly

An experienced hiker, who has walked in the Scottish mountains most weekends in his adult life, has been missing for more than three weeks.

The family of Charlie Kelly, a father of three, is urging people to keep looking for him. Mr Kelly, a forensic psychologist in the Scottish Prison Service, went to Glen Coe alone on Wednesday, September 6, and had contact with his long-term partner the following day. Mr Kelly, from Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, was reported missing on Friday, September 8, and a search was launched by the RAF and mountain rescue teams after he failed to return. Searches have continued at weekends carried out mostly by volunteers.

Mr Kelly's backpack was found on Saturday, September 9. The oranges he had packed were missing, and walkers were asked to keep an eye out for orange peel which could indicate where Mr Kelly might be. He was last seen wearing a dark green, fleece top; dark grey, combat-style trousers, and a black waterproof jacket.

His daughter, Matilda Williams-Kelly, 24, said: "He loves hillwalking, he loves nature and the outdoors, and he is very aware of the dangers in hillwalking and doing that kind of thing. My dad meant to come off the hill."

Charlie Kelly is missing

A statement from Mr Kelly's children said: "Charlie Kelly's children, partner, family, friends and loved ones would like to thank everyone that has been, and continue to be, involved in finding him safely. We want to thank the Glencoe Mountain rescue team, Fort William police department, the RAF, the volunteer rescue teams, and the dog rescue teams that have given their time and energy in locating our dad. We cannot thank you enough for your efforts.

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"Charlie is an experienced hillwalker, who has been climbing hills and Munros most weekends throughout his adult life, both in groups and on his own. We don't know yet what happened to him, but we do know it was uncharacteristic for him to not return home. Charlie has three adult children and a long-term partner, as well as extensive family and friends who are all concerned for his safety. The family asks that Charlie's privacy is respected during this time."

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Charlie remains a missing person and inquiries continue to trace him."

Kelly-Ann Mills