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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Claire Galloway

Mountain rescue team join frantic search for missing hillwalker Derek Hepburn

Mountain rescue teams have been drafted in to search for missing hillwalker Derek Hepburn.

The 53-year-old, from Nairn, has not been in touch with his family since Sunday, April 24.

It is understood Derek left his home address to go on a walk nearby but has not been since.

Police confirmed on Friday they had discovered his vehicle more than 50 miles from his hometown in the Loch Mullardoch Dam car park in Glen Cannich.

His planned route is unknown but enquiries suggest he may have intended to complete a walk on Sgurr Na Lapaich or in the surrounding area.

Derek's disappearance has been described as "completely out of character" with extensive searches still ongoing.

Mountain rescue teams have been drafted in (Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook)

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team and search dogs were drafted in to scour the Mullardoch area, but confirmed on Saturday that Derek had still not been found.

Taking to social media, the rescue team said: "The team were deployed on Thursday night to the Mullardoch area in a search for missing hill walker Derek Hepburn.

"Who was possibly walking in the Sgurr Na Lapaich area.

Derek has been missing for nearly seven days (Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook)

"Despite extensive searches along with partner agencies including Strathpol mrt, 3 SARDA dogs and searches carried out by HMCG rescue 948 Thursday night and on Friday with HMCG rescue 199 and the police helicopter carrying out searches in the area sadly nothing has been found."

Anyone with information on Derek's whereabouts is being urged to come forward.

He is described as 6ft 1, of a slim build with black, balding hair. He is normally clean shaven with light stubble. His current clothing is unknown.

Chief Inspector Jenny Valentine said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Derek as he has been out of contact with his family and friends since last weekend.

Search dogs have also been out looking for Derek (Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team/Facebook)

“I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen him on or after Sunday 24 April 2022 to get in touch urgently.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1812 of 27 April.”

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