A MAJOR search in the Scottish Highlands is continuing for a North Yorkshire climber who has not been seen since Thursday.

Northern Constabulary said Grant Cunliffe, from Skipton, walked into Corrour Bothy in the Larig Ghru pass area of the Cairngorms on Wednesday, January 18 and planned to go hillwalking on the Thursday and Friday.

The alarm was raised on Saturday when Mr Cunliffe, 49, failed to check in to accommodation he had booked.

A rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth has been searching the area along with mountain rescue teams from Cairngorm, Braemar, Aberdeen, RAF Kinloss and RAF Leuchars since yesterday. Search and rescue dogs are also involved in the search.

Police said Mr Cunliffe is an experienced climber.

He is 5ft 10ins, balding with a slim build and was wearing a blue waterproof jacket, black waterproof trousers and carrying a large black rucksack when last seen.

Northern Constabulary are appealing for anyone who believes they have met Mr Cunliffe in the Cairngorms to contact Aviemore police on 01479-810222.