Buachaille Etive MòrPolice have named a climber whose body was found on Buachaille Etive Mòr this week.

Buachaille Etive Mòr

Joseph Pancaldi, of Colchester, Essex worked at the Compass Christian Centre, Glenshee Lodge, in Perthshire. His body was recovered by members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team after police were alerted at 1.45pm last Saturday.

Mr Pancaldi, 21, worked at the centre, near the Spittal of Glenshee, as an assistant instructor. Climbing, abseiling and hillwalking are among the activities offered by the centre.

Ruth McBean, centre manager, paid tribute to the climber. She said: “The staff and supporters of the Compass Christian Centre were deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of their 21-year-old trainee instructor, Joe Pancaldi whilst climbing on holiday in Glencoe.

“Joe was an amazing young man who was very passionate about life and was loved by his colleagues and guests alike. Having grown up in a Christian family from Essex he wanted to have the opportunity to combine his two passions in life, his faith and the outdoors. He came to the centre just under two years ago to become a trainee outdoors instructor and through his skilled leadership and instruction, hundreds of young people have enjoyed the excitement and challenge of the outdoors in Scotland.

“Joe was inspirational, bright, joyful and compassionate and brought joy to so many people in his short life time. He was enthusiastic about everything he did, a great role model and team player with a great sense of fun.

“Central to Joe’s life was his Christian faith which was both strong and contagious. This, along with his love for God and people made him stand out from the crowd, an exceptional person and one who was admired by all who met him.”

Stob Dearg, the highest point of the Buachaille Etive Mòr range, at 1,022m (3,353ft), stands at the head of Glencoe and has classic climbing routes such as Crowberry Ridge and Curved Ridge.

See also

Climber dies in Glencoe