A HEARTFELT tribute has been paid to a father and son from Cheshire who died in the Scottish Highlands.

An extensive search was launched on Wednesday to find 49-year-old Tom Parry and his 12-year-old son Richie, who went missing after going hillwalking.

The pair were due to return to their home in Cheshire after visiting Glen Nevis and Glencoe.

Their car was found in the Three Sisters car park in Glencoe where they stopped on Tuesday to go hillwalking.

Tragically however, it was confirmed on Thursday that two bodies had been found the previous evening at around 7.25pm at Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glencoe.

Police said that enquiries were ongoing, but that there were ‘no apparent suspicious circumstances’, and a report was to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.

Their bodies have now been formally identified as father and son Tom Parry, 49, and Richie Parry, 12.

Police Scotland also confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances and their deaths are being treated as the result of a fall.

A tribute has also been paid to the pair in a statement issued through the police.

Gemma Parry said: “Tom was a caring and loving father to his children and a loving husband to me, his wife Gemma.

“Richie was an energetic, loving boy who loved his quizzes, maths, and sports. He always cared for others as well no matter what.

"We would like to take this chance to thank the Scottish and Cheshire police as well as the Mountain Rescue service along with all the other emergency services involved in finding Richie and Tom.”

She added: “Tom and Richie will be sadly missed and never forgotten.”

She also thanked the community of Alsager and “all of our family friends who have helped us and supported us throughout this time”.

Inspector Katy Duncan, of Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts remain with the Parry family at what is a very difficult time for them.

“We would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal, to all emergency services and Mountain Rescue volunteers.”

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team were among those involved in the search.

In a post on Facebook the team said: “We are deeply saddened by this outcome and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Parry family at this time.”