Urgent appeal with police ‘increasingly concerned’ for missing British skier

Police are “increasingly concerned” for the welfare of a skier who went missing in Scotland’s Cairngorms mountain range overnight.

Sam Burns, 40, has not been in contact with friends since 11.30am yesterday morning, when he was skiing alone in the area.

He has since failed to return to his van, which is parked in the Cairngorm Mountain car park.

It is believed he planned to ski Y Gully or Diagonal Gully from the Cairngorm Plateau.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mr Burns, described as being 5ft 10in, of slim build and with short brown hair.

He is thought to be wearing either a bright blue or bright orange coloured jacket and ski helmet.

Inspector Craig Johnstone said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Sam’s welfare and are keen to trace him as soon as possible.

“We believe he planned to ski Y Gully or Diagonal Gully from the Cairngorm Plateau.

“I would appeal to anyone who was on the Cairngorm Plateau or within Loch Avon Basin on Friday December 13 2024 and who may have seen Sam to get in touch, and to anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as soon as possible.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3438 of December 13 2024.”