A local man has gone missing while hiking in the Scottish Highlands. Brian McGillicuddy, age 64 of Harrison, went missing after failing to return from a planned hike on Ben Nevis near Fort Williams in the Scottish Highlands last Thursday, February 19, 2026. McGillicuddy Stadium at Harrison High School is named his father, John F. McGillicuddy, who served as Chairman and CEO of Manufacturers Hanover. His sister Faith Benoit lives in Rye.
Police in Scotland said McGillicuddy was last seen Thursday morning at the Charles Inglis Clark (C.I.C.) Memorial Hut.
“Extensive searches, involving specialist resources, are ongoing despite challenging conditions,” said Sergeant Gareth Ford of the Scottish Police on Sunday. ““We are not sure of Brian’s intended route, so I’m appealing to anyone who thinks they may have seen him, or someone matching the description, in the area on Thursday to come forward. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could greatly assist our search teams.”
Search and Rescue Aerial Association-Scotland posted online on Monday and said their search continues, along with efforts from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, Oban Mountain Rescue Team, Police Scotland, RAF Lossiemouth, Search & Rescue Dog Association (Scotland).
McGillicuddy’s sister-in-law Kirsten Swanson McGillicuddy said online Sunday that 46 people, 3 dogs, and a drone were out searching on various teams and that McGillicuddy had been attempting the North face of Orion (peak) or Ben Nevis saying “Brian is indeed a legend among the climbing community but is adored for so many other reasons and is a truly wonderful man.”
“Brian is such a wonderful (strong and adventurous) man and we are desperately hoping to find him. 27 people mostly volunteers, (not including police) a helicopter, drone camera and 3 rescue dogs have been deployed over the last few days,” said Kirsten Swanson McGillicuddy online. “Brian was last seen Thursday at 4am. Please keep him and the McGillicuddys in your prayers in addition to prayers for the rescuers. We SO appreciate all the effort and risk being taken!”
