Missing US climber's family wait in Fort William for search news

Relatives of an American climber who went missing last week have travelled to Fort William to be closer to the search on Ben Nevis.

Concerns were raised for Brian McGillicuddy, 64, from Harrison, New York, after he failed to return from a planned trip to Scotland's highest mountain on 19 February.

It is believed the experienced ice climber may have been attempting the Orion Face Direct route, one of the mountain's most difficult ice climbing routes.

His wife Kym and sister-in-law Kirsten Swanson McGillicuddy arrived in Scotland shortly before he was due to return home from a trip celebrating his retirement last month.

Mountain rescue, coastguard, drone pilots, and search and rescue dog teams have taken part in the search in challenging winter conditions.

The search was hampered on Wednesday by the weather on the mountain and avalanche risks but was expected to resume on Thursday.

His sister-in-law Kirsten said in a social media post: "These experts and mostly volunteers have been searching tirelessly."

The artist, who is married to McGillicuddy's brother John, also posted what is thought to be the last photo of Brian, taken by another climber near the Charles Inglis Clark (CIC) Memorial Hut.

"He caught up with Brian on their two-and-a-half-hour hike through the foothills to get to the base of Ben Nevis," she said.

"This is where the CIC hut is. It gives climbers a short respite before attempting the mountain.

"It is said that Bryan mentioned then that he intended to climb the Orion face after a quick pause and gearing up at the hut."

In posts by family and friends, McGillicuddy was described as a "truly wonderful man" and a "precise and efficient" climber and paraclimber support friend, who would help disabled people overcome barriers to to the support.

Police Scotland told BBC Scotland: "Brian remains missing and inquiries are ongoing."

McGillicuddy is described as 6ft 1in (1.85m), of slim build, with short grey and white hair.

When last seen, he was wearing a white climbing helmet, a dark blue jacket, white jeans and blue and red gaiters.

Police previously appealed for information from anyone who could help establish McGillicuddy 's intended route, and appealed to anyone who may have seen him in the area last Thursday to come forward.

Volunteers from Lochaber, Glencoe, Oban, Police Scotland and RAF Lossiemouth mountain rescue teams and Search and Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) have all helped carry out searches.

A coastguard helicopter has also been involved in the effort to find McGillicuddy.