AN ARMY veteran has survived a full week in the Highland wilderness after going missing while out on a hike.
Paul Conway set off on his 30-mile adventure from Glenfinnan Viaduct to Inverie, on the Knoydart peninsula in Lochaber, last Tuesday.
At some point along the way, the 67-year-old lost his bearings and wasn’t able to contact anyone for help as he had no phone signal.
Paul, who reportedly served with the Army’s 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment for 11 years and with Northumbria Police for 30 years, failed to arrive at his planned destination on Friday raising alarm bells for his family.
His son, Chris Conway, feared the worst and contacted the emergency services, and a search and rescue operation involving police, coastguard, and mountain rescue teams was launched.
At the time Chris posted on social media: “Dead or alive, I need him found.”
The army veteran managed to survive despite the poor weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, for a week and eventually reached the southern shores of Loch Morar.
He was then able to find a mobile phone signal on Tuesday afternoon and was able to call for help.
Chris said his father was “in good health and good spirits” despite his ordeal and thanked all those who had helped to find him.
He wrote on social media: “He has been found. Unbelievable, and he has been through a hell of a lot.”
Due to the extended period spent outdoors, Paul was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Insp Ross McCartney, of Fort William Police Station, Police Scotland Highland and Islands, said: “We are delighted that Paul has been found and reunited safe and well with his family.
“This was a challenging and protracted search involving a number of partner agencies and specialist police resources. We are grateful to everyone involved in the search for their efforts in bringing about this positive outcome.”
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team wrote on Facebook: “Since Saturday evening, Lochaber MRT, Search and Rescue Dog Association (Scotland), RAF Lossiemouth MRT and Police Scotland MRT have continued search efforts for missing walker Paul Conway.
“Thankfully today Paul was found and reunited with his family, a little worse for wear but in good spirits.”
