A body has been found during the search for a leading priest who went missing while on a hillwalking holiday.
Police received the report at around 2pm on Monday, September 14, with the family of 45-year-old Hector Patmore informed of the discovery.
Formal identification has yet to take place and Police Scotland has not confirmed the body is Hector.
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The experienced hillwalker, who lived in Belgium, had been reported missing after setting out for a walk in the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye on Sunday, September 13.
He was last seen at around 10.45am leaving the Youth Hostel in Glen Brittle to begin his walk, as reported by Need To Know.
Hector had planned to climb Sgurr Na Banachdich before descending through Coire Na Banachdich.
He failed to return to his accommodation and had not been in contact with his family, leading to him being reported missing at around 10.25pm.
Police subsequently appealed for information and asked fellow hillwalkers who had been in the area to come forward with anything that could help establish his movements.
The search continued into Monday before the body was found in the Cuillin area.
Police said the death was not believed to be suspicious.
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
Hector is professor in the Research Unit Biblical Studies at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leuven and an Anglican priest.
On Monday Bénédicte Lemmelijn, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leuven, said: “Like a bolt from the blue, we were struck today by the tragic news about our good colleague and professor, Hector Patmore. Despair and fear reigned in all conversations today.
“Tonight came the appalling news: a body was found. Although not yet formally identified, we all know that it will be Hector.
“The devastation of each of us is enormous. In the intense grief that happens to us, we now feel only powerlessness in our bewilderment. In that pain we look for a way to support and comfort, a path to trust and entrust.
“That is why tomorrow, September 15, 2026, a joint moment of reflection will be organized at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the Pope’s College.
“I hope to meet you all there.
“There will be a mourning register in the Maurits Sabbe Library, for those who would like to write something for Hector’s family.
“And for those who need a conversation or a word of comfort during the day, my door is open.
“Students can also always contact the faculty study career counsellors or STUVO.
“Rest in peace, dear Hector.”
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