A Highland mountain rescuer was described as a “beautiful guy” by his heart-broken wife last night after he collapsed on the hills and died.
Stuart Ashton, treasurer of Skye Mountain Rescue Team, was walking with two fellow volunteers when he suffered a suspected heart attack.
The 53-year-old, who lived at Carbost on Skye with his wife Tania, was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, but sadly died.
His wife said last night that messages of support had been “pouring in” since the tragedy, and that it was “amazing just how much he was loved”.
Skye Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) also paid tribute to Mr Ashton, who was airlifted from Ciste Dhubh in Kintail at the weekend.
An online statement from the team said: “It is with great sadness and regret that Skye MRT wish to announce the recent death of one of its most valuable and respected team members: Stuart Ashton.
“He lost his life in the pursuit of something he was most passionate about.
“Stuart touched the hearts of everyone he came into contact with. He was always smiling and always enthusiastic. His passing has left a void that will be very difficult to fill.
“Stuart’s commitment to Skye MRT, SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association) Scotland and Scottish Mountain Rescue was second to none.
“Skye MRT would like to offer Stuart’s family, and especially Tania, their support and dearest heartfelt condolences.
“Stand down buddy, we will miss you.”
Kintail Mountain Rescue Team was called out after Mr Ashton collapsed on the mountain, with a coastguard search and rescue helicopter taking him to Raigmore.
After seeing the tribute from his colleagues, Mrs Ashton, 61, said: “Skye Mountain Rescue Team have said it all. It is absolutely wonderful what they have written.
“It is amazing just how much he was loved. It is incredible. I said to my daughter, that I didn’t realise I was married to a celebrity, because everybody just loved him.
“There are so many messages pouring in. He was such a beautiful guy.”
Kintail MRT leader Neil Ross said it was originally called out at 5.30pm on Friday, with the full team gathering at the Cluanie Inn.
However, high winds on the hill meant that the recovery could not take place at that time, and they returned on Saturday.
Mr Ross said that while they were carrying a stretcher to the casualty, one of their team stumbled and dislocated her shoulder.
He said: “She was helped off the hill by team members while the rest of us moved Stuart to a location where we were confident the helicopter could pick him up from.”
Mr Ashton’s funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, March 10, at the Fernilea Church of Scotland on Skye. The burial afterwards will take place at Trien.
The family is asking that instead of sending flowers, people give a donation to Skye Mountain Rescue Team or SARDA Scotland.
Many further tributes were made online after the team announced the sad news yesterday.
Calina MacDonald wrote: “So sad. Such a wonderful, caring, helpful person. He will be greatly missed.”
Dave Cromack added: “Such saddening news, Stuart was a fine man, much respect.”
Angus Doyle wrote: “An exceptional man. My thoughts are with all that knew him.”
