Grant Cunliffe: missing for five days

The search for a walker missing in the Cairngorms for five days has been called off.

A major search was undertaken today by up to 70 rescuers, but no sign of Grant Cunliffe was found and search teams have now stood down.

Members of Cairngorm and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams, RAF Leuchars Mountain Rescue Team and officers from Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police were joined today by Search and Rescue Dogs Association members and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth on the third day of the search.

Mr Cunliffe, 49, of Long Preston, North Yorkshire, failed to return from a trip into the Lairig Ghru at the weekend.

Searches have centred on the hills around Corrour Bothy, Angel’s Peak, Devil’s Point and Cairntoul and the corries around them.

A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said: “His family have been made aware there will be no further searches tomorrow.”

Police said Mr Cunliffe was believed to have walked in to Corrour Bothy in the Lairig Ghru pass on Wednesday 18 January, intending to go hillwalking on the Thursday and Friday before returning home. He was reported overdue on Saturday 21 January.

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

Anyone who believes that they met Mr Cunliffe in the Cairngorms between Wednesday 18 January and Friday 20 January is urged to contact Aviemore police on 01479 810222 as they may have information regarding his movements prior to his disappearance.