The former Royal Marine was raising funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue
Rescuers have paid tribute to an ultrarunner who died while trying to set a record for running the Cape Wrath Trail.
David Parrish was raising funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue during his unsupported attempt.
He set out on the 230-mile remote route as a tribute to his fellow former Royal Marine Luke Ireland who died of hypothermia while running in the mountains of Glen Clova in 2014.
Volunteers from Kintail Mountain Rescue Team led the search for 35-year-old David Parrish after he was reported missing on Saturday, and his body was found about 10.25pm that day, close to Meallan Odhar above Glen Shiel.
A spokesperson for Kintail MRT said: “Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. David was an experienced hillgoer and mountain runner who tragically died doing something he loved.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Mountain Rescue said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of David Parrish during his fundraising challenge on the Cape Wrath Trail.
“His loss is felt sharply across our teams, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly painful time.
“David was a generous, warm-hearted and inspiring member of our community, who had chosen to take on this challenge in memory of a close friend who lost their life while running in the hills. David’s dedication to honouring his friend’s memory, while raising funds to support our service, truly moved us all.
“His fundraising efforts will support our volunteer teams as they continue to respond to emergencies across Scotland’s mountains, leaving a lasting legacy to both friends in the Scottish outdoors.
“Everyone at Scottish Mountain Rescue is devastated by this news. Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. We also remember Luke, in whose memory this challenge was undertaken, making this loss all the more profound.”
Scottish Mountain Rescue is the umbrella organisation for 26 volunteer mountain rescue teams north of the border.
The Dumfries-based ultrarunner won the Cape Wrath Ultra race at his first attempt, with Jo Meek in 2023.
The record for an unsupported completion of the trail, which runs from Fort William to the north-westernmost point of the Scottish mainland at Cape Wrath, along an undefined route, is just over 3½ days.
Police Scotland said: “There are no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin are aware.”
David Parrish’s JustGiving page had attracted donations totalling more than £19,000 at the time of writing, with more than 850 people donating.
