Extensive searches were conducted in Lochaber over the weekend for missing hillwalker Goffredo Bondanelli.
Searches involved police officers and dogs, members of Lochaber and RAF Mountain Rescue Teams and UK Coastguard personnel and focused on high and low level areas between the villages of Lochailort and Glenfinnan.
Specific areas between Loch Ailort and Loch Eilt, where it is believed Mr Bondanelli planned to camp, were also covered,
Unfortunately Mr Bondanelli, who has not been seen since May 3, is still missing. Police would urge walkers in the area to remain vigilant and to report anything that may assist the search.
Mr Bondanelli, a 56-year-old German national, was last seen in Fort William on May 3 boarding a train to Lochaillort, prior to undertaking a five day (42 miles) walk between Lochaillort and Glenfinnan; with plans to return to Glenfinnan on May 8.
He would have been camping out on hills and Corbetts during this five day period including Coire na Cnamha, Lochan Feith Easian, Sgurr an Utha and possibly walking on the nearby A830 at times. Mr Bondanelli is an experienced hillwalker and is well equipped. He has a green tent and dark rucksack.
It is believed he was possibly due to return by train on May 8 from Glenfinnan to Fort William or Arrochar, Argyll, but he may have used a bus service. Inquiries are currently being carried out in Argyll to establish if he has been in the area.
Mr Bondanelli is described as being around 5’10” in height of an athletic build with dark and grey hair, and possibly stubble or light beard. He is wearing dark outdoor clothing.
A police spokesman said: “Police would urge anyone who is walking or taking part in outdoor pursuits in the Lochaber/Argyll area to make contact if they have seen or have had contact with a man matching Mr Bondanelli’s description, or if they have any information to assist the search. Please contact 101 with any information.”
