Mr McCawley was found safe and well in the Kinlochhourn area. Photo: Didier Silberstein CC-BY-SA-2.0

The walker at the centre of a major search in the Highlands has been found safe and well.

Neill McCawley, 73, of Worcester, was reported missing on Sunday and had last been seen in the Glendessary area near Fort William on Friday evening.

Northern Constabulary, which had appealed for information about Mr McCawley’s whereabouts from fellow hillwalkers, said the man was unaware of the level of concern for his safety.

He was traced in the Kinlochhourn area this afternoon.

The walker said he was very grateful to the mountain rescue teams and emergency services for their efforts.

A police spokesperson said: “Mr McCawley has told his rescuers that he underestimated the difficulty of the walk and the route, which resulted in him having to camp for longer than he had originally anticipated.”