Police and mountain rescuers have been scouring a section of the West Highland Way after an abandoned tent and rucksack were found. The gear was left on the West Highland Way, near to the A81 and the Glengoyne Distillery, and Police are now appealing to walkers in the area for help.
Central Scotland Police say that the outdoor gear includes a green coloured tent and dark blue rucksack. The Police say that the property appears to have been left sometime between 11am and 3:30pm on Sunday September 11. Police are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at this time and has information, or who may know the identity of the owner.
The Police had originally thought the gear might have belonged to a 47-year-old woman from the peace camp outside Faslane Naval Base who has been missing since 2 September. However, friends of the woman confirmed the gear was not hers after being shown photographs.
Members of the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team spent Monday afternoon and evening searching the area in very bad weather conditions. A rescue team spokesman told the BBC, “The search centred on where the rucksack was found on the West Highland Way just north of Dumgoyach hill. The wooded areas, including Dumgoyach, and ground bordering the fast flowing Blane Water were thoroughly searched, initially by a police dog handler, then by MR personnel.”
The Police are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was near the point where the West Highland Way briefly follows the A81 near the Beech Tree Inn and the Glengoyne distillery on Sunday. Anyone who can assist with information is asked to contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.