Drones used in search for missing Ben Nevis climber

Drones and mountain rescue teams are searching for 64-year-old Brian McGillicuddy, who has been missing since failing to return from a planned Ben Nevis trip; searches continue in difficult conditions.

Drones have been used in searches for a climber reported missing in Lochaber. Brian McGillicuddy, 64, did not return from a planned trip to Ben Nevis on Thursday. He was last seen at about 04:00 GMT in the Glasdrum Road area of Fort William and was believed to be heading toward the CIC Hut and possibly the Orion Face Direct route. Rescue teams and volunteers have continued searching despite challenging weather. Known details: - Drone pilots from the Search and Rescue Aerial Association - Scotland joined mountain rescue volunteers and specialist teams in searches of Ben Nevis. - McGillicuddy was last seen at about 04:00 GMT on Thursday in the Glasdrum Road area of Fort William. - He is described as about 6ft 1in tall, slim, with short grey or white hair; when last seen he wore a white climbing helmet, dark blue jacket, white jeans and blue and red gaiters. - Police said extensive searches are ongoing and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward; the next procedural step is undetermined at this time. Summary: The involvement of drone teams, mountain rescue volunteers, search dogs and a coastguard helicopter indicates a sustained multi-agency search in difficult conditions. The climber remains missing and police report searches are continuing. Undetermined at this time.