The body was found near the Bealach na Bà. Photo: Hilmar Ilgenfritz CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police say they believe a body found on a Highland pass is that of a man who went missing in the area in July this year.

The body was recovered from a gully on a mountain on the Bealach na Bà in Applecross.

A Northern Constabulary spokesperson said the discovery by mountain rescuers and police is thought to be that of Steven Seel, 30, of Strathpeffer, who was last seen in the area four months ago.

The spokesperson said: “Formal forensic identification will require to be undertaken and this unlikely to be completed for a number of days.

“Next of kin have been advised of this development.”

Four mountain rescue teams took part in the original search for Mr Seel, along with Search and Rescue Dogs Association members, police dogs and volunteer air search pilots.

Steven Seel

More than 30 rescuers from the Torridon, Dundonnell and Kintail Mountain Rescue Teams were joined by an RAF team, Sarda members, Northern Constabulary dog section and the Skywatch after his disappearance on 3 July.

The mountain pass of the Bealach na Bà rises to 626m (2,054ft) and its road links the village of Applecross with Tornapress, north-west of Lochcarron.