'Distraught' family's plea over South Yorkshire man missing for a month in Scottish mountains

The ‘distraught’ family of a Doncaster man who has not been seen for a month has launched an appeal for help to find him.
By Darren Burke
Published 6th Jun 2022, 12:09 BST
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Neil Skinner, aged 71, was last seen camping close to Loch Dochard in the Bridge of Orchy area of Argyll and Bute on Sunday May 8 – with no news since then.

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Police have been searching the area with support from the Air Support Unit, Marine Unit and mountain rescue teams, but have found no trace of him.

Neil Skinner has been missing for four weeks after disappearing while camping in Scotland.Neil Skinner has been missing for four weeks after disappearing while camping in Scotland.
Neil Skinner has been missing for four weeks after disappearing while camping in Scotland.

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In a statement issued through the police, Mr Skinner’s family urged anyone who has seen him to come forward.

They said: “As a family we are distraught that our dad has been missing for this length of time and we are desperately seeking answers as to what has happened to him, to help us understand and come to terms with his sudden disappearance.

“If anyone has any information regarding our dad that they feel may be at all relevant we ask you to please contact police.”

Mr Skinner, from Doncaster, is 5ft 8ins tall with short, white hair, a white goatee-type beard and wears glasses.

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When last seen he was wearing a green jacket and grey walking trousers.

Sergeant Karen MacLennan of Police Scotland said: “Since Neil was reported missing, we have been carrying out searches and inquiries to try to trace him.

“Local officers have been assisted by specialist resources including the Air Support Unit, Marine Unit and mountain rescue teams, however he has yet to be found.

“Neil has not made any contact with family or friends since he was reported missing and we are keen to speak to anyone who might have seen him since Sunday May 8, or who has information relevant to our investigation.”

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The loch, which is in the west of Scotland, has long been a popular spot for walkers and campers and is known for its rugged terrain as well as views across the 0.6 mile stretch of water, which is up to 13 feet deep.

Anyone with information about Mr Skinner’s disappearance is asked to contact police via 101, quoting reference 3775 of May 9.

Related topics:South YorkshireDoncasterPolice