Avalanche trio were 'great guys'

A cottage near Buachaille Etive Mor where the avalanche survivors gathered

A climbing club has described its three members who died in an avalanche on Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe as "great guys" and "good company".

Brothers John and Eamonn Murphy and Brian Murray were members of An Teallach Mountaineering Club (ATMC).

The club has a hut, where walkers can find shelter, in Glen Affric, near Drumnadrochit.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has also offered its condolences to the men's families.

In a statement, the club said: "The members of the ATMC are very saddened by this terrible accident and the loss of our friends Eamonn, John and Brian. Our thoughts are first and foremost with their families and all other friends at this difficult time to whom we offer our sincere condolences.

"All three men had been members of the club for many years and were experienced mountaineers. They were all great guys, good company and were wonderful supporters of the club.

"They had a love of the mountains and their sense of fun and friendship made a significant contribution to the life of the club. They had attended club events all over Scotland.

This was the most serious Scottish avalanche incident in recent years and is a blunt reminder of the fickle nature of Scotland's snow and avalanche conditions David Gibson MCofS chief officer

"The members would also like to thank the fantastic efforts of the mountain rescue teams, helicopter crews, police and everyone else involved in Saturday's events."

MCofS chief officer David Gibson said: "MCofS offers its condolences to the families and friends of those involved in the incident, who were all members of the An Teallach Mountaineering Club (ATMC).

"Our thoughts and best wishes are also with the officers and members of the ATMC at this difficult time."

He added: "ATMC is an active club with a 20-year history of climbing and mountaineering across Europe, and although small in numbers, a very sociable club, and one that has contributed much to Scottish mountaineering and the MCofS.

"This was the most serious Scottish avalanche incident in recent years and is a blunt reminder of the fickle nature of Scotland's snow and avalanche conditions.

"Mountaineering and climbing are activities with a risk of injury or death and avalanches are one of the hazards that may be encountered on the hills.

"However, it is important to recognise that thousands of people were out on the Scottish hills on Saturday and that the vast majority had a safe and enjoyable day."

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