Walker Dies In Storms

Jan 6 2008 By Grace Macaskill

Victim No.2 Feared Drowned

A FEMALE walker died and a pensioner is feared drowned after ferocious weather battered Scotland.

The 48-year-old's body was discovered yesterday afternoon - 19 hours after she vanished on the Perthshire hills.

The unnamed Edinburgh woman was reported missing around 7pm on Friday while walking in the Glen Derby area.

Her body was found in the hills at Kindrogan Wood, near Kirkmichael, at around 2.30pm yesterday.

Rescuers were last night still searching for pensioner Len Bennett, whose Land Rover was blown off a causeway on a remote island.

He and wife Rose are caretakers for lighthouse cottages on Davaar Island, off Campbeltown, Argyll.

The 70-year-old was on his way to the mainland to pick up guests in gusting winds on Friday afternoon but never reached them.

His empty vehicle was recovered early yesterday from water along the causeway between Davaar and Campbeltown. Police, coastguard, lifeguard, mountain rescue and Royal Navy experts were still searching for the pensioner.

One resident said: "It must be heartbreaking for his wife because they are so close and, living on such a remote island, rely on each other for company."

Meanwhile, drivers were warned to take care as heavy rain moved in after recent snowfalls.

The downpour - forecast to last until tomorrow - could cause flooding.

A Trafficmaster spokeswoman said: "The surface water will affect driving conditions and traffic will be moving more slowly. People need to take care."

A male driver and passenger were seriously injured early yesterday in Midlothian.

Their Ford Fiesta crashed into a bus shelter on the A701 Milton Bridge to Bilston road near Gowkleymoss Roundabout.

And another man suffered serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle at Tong on the Isle of Lewis on Friday night.

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g.macaskill@sundaymail.co.uk