A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her only son after he fell off a cliff and died.
Lachlan Macdonald sadly passed away after losing his footing and falling at the Forcan Ridge on The Saddle, a Munro near Skye, at around 12pm on Saturday, September 17.
The 46-year-old, from Blantyre, had discovered hillwalking 18 months earlier and had completed 88 Munros.
Despite being an experienced climber, the dad-of-one lost his life after “slipping backwards” in the tragic accident.
Now his devastated family are planning his funeral and are paying tribute to how “amazing” the Hearts fan was.
His mother, Margaret, told the Glasgow Times: “You don’t expect him to go to the hills and not come home.
“It was just a crazy accident. He has had some kind of slip backwards and gone over the mountain.
“It was like that was his time and it had to happen to him.
“Lachlan was an amazing guy and wonderful son, uncle, and father.
“The love people have for him is unbelievable. He met an incredible amount of people and made friends for life through hillwalking.
“His two passions in life were the hills and Hearts Football Club.
“It is just unreal to now see all the friends and family who cared about him. It wasn’t just the climb he enjoyed but also the comradery.”
A fundraiser has now been set up to help Lachlan’s family during this difficult time.
Well-wishers have rallied round to raise more than £5000 towards their goal of £7000.
Friends and family were quick to pay tribute online, hailing Lachlan as an “absolute gent”.
Derek MacDonald said: “Hearing this a few days ago was something, you don't expect it to hit you so hard.
“How can you even contemplate that kind of news. I've read things about our friend that are from people's hearts and it only goes to show the special place he held.”
Norma Alexander said: “So sorry to hear this awful news. Thoughts with all Lachie's family and friends.”
Karen Ritchie said: “Such sad news, thinking of you big man.”
Scott Kane said: “Absolutely gutted to hear this very sad news.
“You're an absolute gent, a big man who loved chatting and bantering about how you became a Hearts fan. Devastated, rest easy brother.”
David Craig added: “As a kid, I spent hours and hours with Lachlan and his family as neighbours.
“Although I’ve not seen him in a few years, he was a lifetime friend. I always remember playing football with him and some other great lads and friends.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a 46-year-old man having fallen while walking on The Saddle in Kintail around 12pm on Saturday, September 17.
“His body was subsequently found and recovered with the assistance of the HM Coastguard helicopter and the Kintail and Glenelg mountain rescue teams.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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