Climber dies on Creag Meagaidh

A climber has been killed by an avalanche on Creag Meagaidh. Mountain Rescue and an RAF rescue helicopter were called out mid afternoon today (15 Feb) and the climber was airlifted to the Belford Hospital in Fort William. However police later reported that the climber was dead on arrival. No further details have been released although it is understood that no one else was caught up in the avalanche.

Creag Meagaidh is situated between Spean Bridge and Laggan.

UPDATE: Police have now named the dead man as Stephen Young, aged 18, from Kent. He was part of a large hill walking group organised by the Scout Association. It is understood that his mother was part of the group. The Scouts issued the following statement, “The Scout Association is deeply saddened to confirm the death of Stephen Young, a trustee of Kent Scout County. Stephen’s death occurred today, 15 February, following an avalanche in the Cairngorm region of Scotland.

“Stephen was part of an experienced, all-adult group who were in Cairngorms as part of their annual trip to the region to expand their winter hillwalking skills.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family and friends at this time. We are working with the authorities to support those adults involved in this tragic incident.”