Missing tourist disappears in Isle of Skye mountains for three days with rescue team probe

A huge search is underway for a German tourist who went missing in the Scottish Highlands three days ago.

Matthias Beutin, 57, was last seen at Blaven car park, near Loch Slapin on the Isle of Skye, at around 11.30am on Thursday, October 9. He had planned to hike Bla Bheinn mountain, one of the island's most popular and rugged peaks, but has not been in contact with his family since.

Photos shared by the Skye Mountain Rescue Team showed volunteers scouring the hills in poor weather on Saturday as the search for Matthias continued.

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The group was joined by several other agencies, including a search and rescue dog team. A coastguard helicopter was also called in to assist. Sadly, rescuers confirmed last night that Matthias has still not been found.

In a post on Facebook, the Skye Mountain Rescue Team said: "It’s now Saturday evening, and after another full day of searching there’s still no sign of Matthias.

"Teams were out again today - including Search & Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) , Kintail Mountain Rescue , and Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service - covering more ground in challenging terrain and poor visibility.

"If you were on Blaven or around Loch Slapin on Thursday, and may have seen Matthias, or have dash-cam footage or photos from the area, please get in touch - even the smallest detail could help.

"Contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2588 of October 9."

Matthias is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of average build and with short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue waterproof jacket, brown waterproof trousers and dark brown Meindl trekking shoes. He was also carrying a small black and orange backpack.

Sergeant David Mockett said on Friday: “We’re growing increasingly concerned for Matthias. It’s out of character for him to be missing or not in contact with family.

“Matthias is visiting Skye and we know he planned to climb Bla Bheinn. Specialist resources, including a number of mountain rescue teams, have been involved in searches of the area.

“I’d like to ask anyone who lives in the area, or has been to Blaven since yesterday morning, and thinks they may have been Matthias to contact us urgently.

"Drivers with dash-cams, please also review any footage you have from around the Loch Slapin area, as you may have captured something which could help."