Mark Phillips

Police have named the climber who was killed in a fall from Ben Nevis earlier this week.

Mark Phillips, 51, of Spean Bridge in Lochaber, fell about 50m (165ft) from Raeburn’s Buttress on the North Face of the mountain on Monday.

Mr Phillips was an environmental health officer with Highland Council.

His widow Caroline Phillips said: “On 25 February my beloved husband Mark was enjoying the superb conditions the Scottish Highlands were affording.

“He had spent the previous few days climbing and walking in the hills with friends. Tragically that day he sustained fatal injuries following an incident on Ben Nevis.

“Mark and I together with our son Ruaridh had moved to the Highlands about 12 years ago so as to live amongst the hills and community we had got to love.

“Mark was a loving father and husband and will be sorely missed by us and his many friends and work colleagues. Ruaridh and I thank them all for their support.

“I have noted certain speculation in the press surrounding Mark’s death. I have entire confidence in the police and the process and I do not want to indulge such speculation.”

The Herald newspaper reported that it understood a rope was cut during the rescue operation to get Mr Phillips into a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told its reporter: “We can confirm two military search-and-rescue helicopters were sent to assist in an operation to rescue a fallen climber on Ben Nevis, who sadly died.

“An investigation by Northern Constabulary is underway. It would be inappropriate for the MoD to comment further at this stage.”

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire also flew to the scene.

Mr Phillips’s death was the 11th on the mountains of Scotland this year.