The partner of a missing West Lothian hillwalker last seen almost three months ago says she has been left with a "void in her heart".
Ross Kinghorn travelled to Blair Atholl by train on Monday, January 16, with footage obtained by police showing the 57-year-old being dropped off at Linlithgow Train Station.
Ross had planned to come home on Friday, January 20, but failed to do so. He travelled to the area to camp on Glen Tilt and climb the three peaks of Beinn a'Ghlo over three days, reports the Daily Record.
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A huge search operation was launched to trace Ross soon after he failed to return home, with Tayside Mountain Rescue Team called in to assist and helicopters brought in at the start of February to sweep the vast terrain. Despite extensive efforts, Ross remains missing and all the official searches have been put on hold.
Partner Crystal Rog, who dropped Ross off at Linlithgow station, says she has "so many unanswered questions" and is urging people in the Blair Atholl area to keep an eye out that could help authorities to locate him.
At the end of January, personal belongings thought to be Ross' were discovered near Bridge of Tilt during the search. Since then, no new evidence has come to light for the authorities to act upon.
A fellow hillwalker claims they saw Ross 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's partner Crystal said: "In a few days' time it will be three 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 has not yet been found. Ross was dropped at Linlithgow train station on Monday, January 16 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 January 20, 2023.
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