Family’s heartbreak after student, 21, fell to his death while climbing Ben Nevis

MOVING tributes have been paid to a 21-year-old adventure studies student who fell to his death on Ben Nevis on Sunday.

Kieran Shaw was killed after falling from the mountain's East Gully on Aonach Mor in Lochaber, Scotland.

Kieran, of Helensburgh, Argyll, lived in Fort William and had been studying at West Highland College.

He was enrolled with the college's School of Adventure Studies and was in the final year of his Adventure Tourism Management degree.

He had been climbing in the area with a male friend on a private climbing trip when he was killed.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter attended the accident and Kieran was taken to Belford Hospital in Fort William, where despite medical treatment he succumbed to his injuries.

Police Scotland said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Kieran's sister Hannah Shaw posted on Facebook: "Yesterday, our world fell apart.

"I am sorry to tell you that my wonderful, inspiring handsome brother has been taken from us.
"It honestly feels like losing a part of yourself and I still expect every second the he is about to walk through the front door.

"My brother was the bravest, kindest, most courageous person who died doing what he loved.

"Sleep tight my beautiful angel, always in my heart.

"Forever loved and never forgotten."

A statement issued by West Highland College said: "We are extremely saddened at the tragic death of one of our students, Kieran Shaw, whilst on a private climbing outing at the weekend on Ben Nevis.

"We have been in contact with the family to express our deepest sympathy and will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time.
"We are all desperately saddened by the news.

"The college is working hard to make sure students and staff have support at this time.

"We will also be putting place appropriate counselling for our other students and staff in the School of Adventure Studies."

Jill Adams, a teacher at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane which Kieran attended, said: "Heartfelt condolences to Hannah Shaw and the rest of her family at the sudden and very unexpected loss of her brother Old Victorian Kieran Shaw.

"All thoughts from QVS with Kieran's family.

"RIP Kieran."

Further tributes were paid to Kieran on Facebook by devastated friends.

Rebecca Rew said: "Can't believe what I am reading.

"I'm so sorry for your loss!

"Kieran was such a caring, fun and easy going guy.

"My thoughts are with you and your family."

Garry Campbell added: "His excitement and enthusiasm was contagious.

"Thoughts will all."

West Highland College offers various courses including certificates in Outdoor Leadership, Adventure Performance and Coaching, Adventure Education and Marine and Coastal Tourism.

They claim the courses can lead to jobs in instructing outdoor and adventure activities, adventure education, management roles in activity centres and risk management.