The family of a hillwalker who died after a 400ft fall from one of Scotland’s highest mountains have today paid tribute to their “loving husband and father”.
Mark Bowling, aged 52, from Lancashire, died as a result of a fall at Aonach Beag, Lochaber, on Thursday, January 5.
He was recovered by the Inverness-based coastguard helicopter Rescue 951 and taken to Carr’s Corner to be met by a doctor.
However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Mountain rescuers believe Mr Bowling may have slipped on black ice while descending from the mountain’s 4,048ft summit towards Glen Nevis.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team leader John Stevenson described the fall as a “pure accident”.
Today, Mr Bowling’s family issued a statement paying tribute to the keen hillwalker.
Mr Bowling’s family said: “We are all completely heartbroken and in shock over the tragic loss of Mark. He was a loving husband and father who had a great love for the outdoors, mountaineering and photography.
“We are so proud of all he has achieved, we love and will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his wife, four children and his faithful dog.”
Aonach Beag is the second highest peak in the Nevis range after Ben Nevis and is frequently climbed in combination with its sister peak Aonach Mor.
It is the first mountain death in Scotland this year, although there has been a spate of operations for the north’s rescue teams in the last week.
