Hillwalker who died on highland mountain named as church minister

Rev Johnny Paton embarked on a solo expedition from Ullapool to An Teallach, in Wester Ross, at around 1.30pm on Monday.

The 60-year-old told his wife Cathy he would take up to eight hours.

She reported the experienced hillwalker missing at 10.30pm after being unable to make contact with him.

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team was joined by the HM Coastguard helicopter in searching for Mr Paton, whose body was discovered on the mountain at around 8.45am on Tuesday.

Craig Renton, depute secretary of the Ministries Council of the Church of Scotland, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Rev Johnny Paton.

“We are grateful for his ministry and pray God’s blessing and light be upon his family, friends and congregation during these difficult days.”

Sergeant Alasdair Goskirk added: “Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and family at this very sad time.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

Tobermory – one of the places on the Isle of Mull where Rev Johnny Paton was minister.

Mr Paton led congregations in Kilninian and Kilmore linked with Salen, and Ulva linked with Tobermory linked with Torosay and Kinlochspelvie on the Isle of Mull.

He was a “Munro bagger” who took up his post on the Isle of Mull in 2013 and…