Hiker killed by lightning strike in Highlands named as Isobel Bytautas
A hiker killed by a lightning strike while walking in the Highlands has been named as Isobel Bytautas.
The 55-year-old’s rambling group were walking on a mountain range near Glencoe on Saturday evening when two women were struck by lightning.
Helicopters and mountain rescue teams were dispatched to rescue the Linlithgow Ramblers but Ms Bytautas died from her injuries.
Another woman who was hit by the bolt of lightning was flown to Belford Hospital in Fort William for treatment, where police say she remains in a stable condition.
John Allen, chair of the Linlithgow Ramblers said the group was "shocked and saddened" by Ms Bytautas's death and their thoughts are "first and foremost" with her family.
He said: "Isobel was a lovely lady and great company out on the hills. She was always ready to chat away like you had known her forever.
"Isobel became well known within the group, joined us on weekends away and was always keen for an adventure.
"She had a passion for walking in the hills and walking in new places. Isobel was a very caring person and it has been a privilege to have walked with her.
"We as a group, especially individuals who knew her well, will feel her loss for a long time, but I think the best way we can honour Isobel is to keep the memories of her alive beside us when out in the hills."
On behalf of the rambling group, Tompion Platt also paid tribute to Ms Bytautas and expressed his condolences to her loved ones.
Mr Platt said: “We are all deeply shocked to hear this tragic news.
“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Isobel’s family and friends – and with those of the other injured walker and Linlithgow group – today.
“Our focus now is on supporting those involved in any way we can.”
Coastguard and ambulance service helicopters, alongside the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, were dispatched to find the wounded group.
They were located on Na Gruagaichean, a mountain about five miles south of Ben Nevis.
Inspector Isla Campbell said: “We are grateful for the prompt and professional response from partner agencies to this tragic incident and offer our condolences to the lady’s family.”
A statement from Police Scotland added: “At 5.42pm on Saturday June 8, Police Scotland were alerted to an incident where two members of a walking group comprising seven people had been struck by lightning and injured.
“The party were traced on Na Gruagaichean in the Mamore Range near Kinlochleven.
“Two casualties and the rest of their party were airlifted to Fort William.
“Sadly, a woman aged 55 years died as a result of her injuries.
“Another woman was taken by ambulance to Belford Hospital in Fort William where her condition is stable.
“The next of kin of the woman who died have been advised and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”