Clive Dennier's newspaper colleagues reported him missing when he failed to turn up for work
Two Scottish parliamentarians have joined the family of a journalist whose body was found in the Highlands to promote a mountain safety scheme.
The Clive Campaign was launched in memory of hillwalker Clive Dennier, who went missing in March this year.
His body was found in June near Kinloch Hourn.
Now, Highlands and Islands MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart, with whom Mr Dennier worked on public relations, have joined the late journalist’s family in urging walkers to leave a ‘Clive form’ with someone before they set out.
The Climbers Location and Identification Verification Envelope is a downloadable sheet that can be filled in with route details and folded into envelope form to be left with a responsible person so emergency services will know where to start any search.
Rhoda Grant said: “Clive was an excellent journalist and press officer.
“He was a loveable individual who would do anything for anyone and I am delighted for all concerned that we can launch this campaign in his memory.”
David Stewart said: “Clive was a friend as well as a valuable member of our team.
“We were all devastated when he went missing and our shock was also shared with many in the community as he seemed to have touched everyone.”
Organisers of the campaign say it is particularly important for solo walkers or mountaineers to leave a note.
Dave ‘Heavy’ Whalley, a former mountain rescue team leader said: “I often go on the hills alone and enjoy the solitude this brings.
“We never expect to have a problem but unfortunately this can happen.
“Please leave a note and when you complete the Clive form it allows your family and friends to know where you are going.
“This may save your life one day and for a few minutes’ work it is so simple. It will also give the rescue services a far better chance to find you, saving a huge amount time and resources.”
Heather Morning Mountaineering Council of Scotland mountain safety adviser, said: “I would encourage anyone, but particularly those who head out into the hills alone, to use the Clive form and complete one each time they head out.
“No one thinks that they will have problems in the hills, but sometimes the unexpected happens.
“Taking a few minutes to complete the Clive form could prove to be the most important thing you have ever done.”
Clive’s sister Judy said: “I am delighted to be launching this awareness campaign.
“Clive was a very good friend as well as a brother and we as a family are all missing him greatly.
“He had a free spirit and was always keen to be off on his adventures. Unfortunately on this occasion he did not come back and we would not want any other family to experience what we had to over these past few months.
“I really, really hope that those venturing out into the hills choose to fill out a Clive form and leave with someone responsible advising what route they are taking and when they are due back.”
The form is available to download and print out from the MCofS website.
