Scotland Blog

Auch Forest, near Bridge of Orchy, lies close to the 95-mile long West Highland Way used by thousands of walkers each year. However, few venture off the marked route and into the thick woodland, which means the corpse could have lain hidden for several years.

Now the painstaking detective work to identity the remains has begun. They are said to be so badly decomposed it is not known whether the person is male or female.

A human body takes about a year to become a skeleton but this is dependent on a variety of factors including soil conditions. A forensic examination was carried out at the scene before the skeleton was removed for further tests.

Detectives are also scouring missing persons reports for any clue to the identity of the dead camper. Strathclyde Police said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and they were examining missing persons reports “as a matter of routine”.

The skeleton was found by forestry workers clearing the forest to create a scenic path at around 1:15pm on Friday

The Black Mount estate on which the forest is located belongs to the family of Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond novels.

A force spokeswoman said: “The remains would appear to have been there for some time.

“Inquiries will be carried out to establish the identity of the deceased and a post-mortem examination will be arranged to establish the cause of death.” It will take place in Glasgow on Tuesday.

BIG-hearted staff from a Hamilton youth project will put on their walking boots in a bid to help young people from the area.

Staff, volunteers and young people from Hamilton Information Project for Youth are organising a sponsored walk of the West Highland Way in April.

And adventurous trio Jim Dunn, Hazel Morrison and Ewan Hamilton are planning to walk the full 95-mile route in five days.

Around 40 people will walk a 15-mile stretch of the Way on Saturday, April 5.

This will include young people, parents and adult volunteers with an interest in HIPY.

Volunteers will be sponsored and all of the money raised will be used to fund activities for young people through HIPY.

It will also support young people who will be undertaking their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition in the French Alps during the summer.

Hamilton Information project for Youth is a registered youth charity working in the Hamilton area to provide young people with access to free confidential information, advice and support on all youth related issues including work, money, education, housing and health.

The project is managed by a youth committee and involves young people in all aspects of the service.

HIPY also provide a range of youth-related activity programmes including: The Duke of Edinburgh Award, youth clubs, school holiday programmes, youth literacy activities and youth information awareness raising events.

Hazel Morrison, youth development officer at HIPY said: “We are hoping businesses will get behind us and show their support by helping with our fund-raising efforts. Any donations or sponsorship of the team would be gratefully received.”

Donations and sponsorship can be sent to HIPY, 16 Townhead Street, Hamilton, ML3 7BE. Contact: Hazel Morrison, HIPY or tel: 01698 891687 or email: hipy@btopenworld.com

Info from the Hamilton Advertiser.