On the rugged Isle of Skye, a search effort of mounting urgency has unfolded for Matthias Beutin, a 57-year-old German tourist last seen on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Beutin, an avid walker, was spotted at Blaven car park near Loch Slapin around 11:30 a.m., preparing for a climb up Blà Bheinn—a peak known for its dramatic slopes and unpredictable weather. Since then, he has not contacted his family, sparking concern among loved ones and authorities alike, according to BBC and corroborated by local Scottish news outlets.
The disappearance has mobilized a coordinated, multi-agency search. The Skye Mountain Rescue Team, joined by the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Scotland), Kintail Mountain Rescue, and the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service, have all been combing the area. Their efforts have been hampered by challenging terrain and poor visibility, particularly on Saturday, October 11, as searchers faced steep, rocky paths and thick clouds rolling over the mountain. A coastguard helicopter was also deployed to assist, hovering over the rugged landscape in hopes of spotting any sign of Beutin from above.
Beutin is described by Police Scotland as white, approximately 5ft 9in tall, of average build, with short dark hair. The last time anyone saw him, he was dressed for the elements: a blue waterproof jacket, brown waterproof trousers, dark brown Meindl trekking shoes, and carrying a small black and orange backpack. These details have been widely circulated in hopes that someone might recognize him or recall a fleeting encounter.
Sergeant David Mockett of Police Scotland expressed the growing anxiety surrounding Beutin’s disappearance, telling BBC, “We’re growing increasingly concerned for Matthias. It’s out of character for him to be missing or not in contact with family.” Mockett’s statement underscores the seriousness of the situation—Beutin’s lack of communication is not typical, and his family is understandably distressed.
The search began in earnest on Friday, October 10, the day after Beutin was last seen, and continued with renewed vigor into Saturday. Volunteers and professionals alike have scoured the hills, their progress slowed by the notoriously unpredictable Skye weather. Photos shared by the Skye Mountain Rescue Team reveal teams trekking through mist-shrouded slopes, their visibility limited and the terrain underfoot treacherous. Despite these efforts, as of Saturday evening, there was still no trace of the missing walker.
Blà Bheinn, also known as Blaven, is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, but its isolated location and rapidly changing weather can pose significant risks. The mountain stands on the outskirts of the Cuillin Ridge, an area famed for its beauty but also for its hazards. According to BBC, the Skye Mountain Rescue Team described the conditions as “challenging terrain” with “poor visibility” during Saturday’s search, making the task of finding Beutin even more daunting.
The rescue teams are leaving no stone unturned. The involvement of the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) brought highly trained dogs into the search, while the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service and Kintail Mountain Rescue lent their expertise in navigating the steep, rocky landscape. The coastguard helicopter, meanwhile, offered a bird’s-eye view, scanning for any sign of movement or a flash of blue waterproof fabric among the crags and heather.
Authorities are now appealing directly to the public for assistance. Police Scotland has urged anyone who was on Blaven or around Loch Slapin on Thursday, October 9, or who may have dash-cam footage or photos from the area, to come forward. “If you were on Blaven or around Loch Slapin on Thursday, and may have seen Matthias, or have dash-cam footage or photos from the area, please get in touch—even the smallest detail could help,” read a statement from the Skye Mountain Rescue Team, as reported by local news. The plea is a reminder that in cases like these, even a seemingly insignificant observation or a brief video clip could provide the breakthrough searchers desperately need.
Beutin’s disappearance has resonated not just with the local community but with all who appreciate the wild beauty of Scotland’s highlands—and the risks that come with exploring them. Walkers and climbers are drawn to Skye for its solitude and splendor, but the same qualities that make the island magical can also make it perilous. The search for Beutin is a stark reminder of the importance of preparation, communication, and the unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather.
The collaborative response to Beutin’s disappearance highlights the dedication and professionalism of the UK’s mountain rescue services. Volunteers give their time and risk their own safety to help others, often in the most difficult conditions imaginable. The Skye Mountain Rescue Team, in particular, has been praised for its relentless efforts, braving long hours and adverse weather in hopes of bringing Beutin home.
For now, Beutin’s family and friends can do little but wait and hope. Police Scotland continues to coordinate the search and investigate any possible leads. Community members and visitors alike are being asked to check their photos and dash-cam footage, to recall any chance encounters, and to report anything that might help—no matter how minor it may seem.
It’s a situation that no one wants to find themselves in: a loved one missing in a foreign country, the days ticking by, the landscape vast and unforgiving. Yet, the outpouring of support and the tireless work of rescue teams offer a measure of comfort, showing that even in the most remote corners of Scotland, people come together in times of need.
As the search enters its next phase, the hope remains that Matthias Beutin will be found safe. Until then, the hills of Skye hold their secrets, and the eyes of a community—and a family far away—remain fixed on the horizon, waiting for news.
