Climber gravely ill after mountain rescue

A climber is seriously ill in hospital after being stranded overnight on a mountain in the Highlands.

The 57-year-old from the East Midlands was airlifted from a peak in the Glencoe area on Saturday after a major search operation.

He was rescued along with another man, 49, who had also been reported overdue on Friday.

Police Scotland said the elder man is in a life-threatening condition at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, while the other climber is stable at Belford Hospital in Fort William.

It is understood they were suffering from the effects of hypothermia.

Both climbers are from Nottinghamshire and had travelled to Glencoe as part of a group.

The search began on Friday evening and resumed at 8am on Saturday, involving Glencoe, Lochaber and Oban Mountain Rescue Teams and a Coastguard helicopter.

HM Coastguard said one climber was found at midday and the second was located around 30 minutes later.

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service warned of a “considerable” avalanche hazard on Friday and Saturday.

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