Grant Cunliffe

A major search involving five rescue teams has been mounted for a walker missing in the Highlands.

Animals and handlers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth have also been involved in the search for the man.

Grant Cunliffe of Long Preston, North Yorkshire was reported overdue on Saturday after he failed to return from a trip into the Cairngorms.

Police appealed for any fellow walkers, climbers or mountaineers who may have seen the 49-year-old in the area around the Lairig Ghru to contact them with details.

A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said: “Grant Cunliffe is believed to have walked into Corrour Bothy in the Lairig Ghru pass on Wednesday 18 January, intending to go hillwalking on the Thursday and Friday before returning home.

“As yet Mr Cunliffe has not returned from his trip and was reported overdue on Saturday 21 January.”

He is described as 5ft 10in (1.78m), slim build, balding, wearing a blue waterproof jacket and black waterproof trousers, carrying a large black rucksack.

Members of the Cairngorm, Braemar and Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Teams, along with RAF Kinloss and RAF Leuchars Mountain Rescue Teams were joined in the coordinated operation by search and rescue dogs and the RAF Sea King in the Cairngorms yesterday and today.

Police appealed to anyone who believes they have seen or met Mr Cunliffe in the Cairngorms since Wednesday 18 January are asked to contact Aviemore Police on 01479 810222.