A climber has been killed after plunging more than 2,000 feet in an avalanche on Ben Nevis.
The unnamed 49-year-old was on the north face of the 4,413ft high mountain when the tragedy happened.
Another climber, 42, survived the incident but suffered serious injuries.
A squad of 40 rescuers were deployed when the alarm was raised on Friday afternoon by fellow team members, the Daily Record reported.
Donald Paterson, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said the initial information was "patchy".
He said: "It appears they were near the top and their weight made a cornice [an overhanging ledge of snow] give way and that triggered the avalanche.
“The wind conditions meant that the helicopter couldn't get in so the teams found the pair on top of the snow and stretchered them off the mountain.
"They must have fallen 600 metres (1968ft) and the chap who survived was very lucky. Though badly injured, he dodged a bullet while his friend didn't. Sadly, so often, that is the luck of the draw.
“We wish to extend our condolences to the deceased's family and friends at this difficult time."
The tragedy is the first death caused by an avalanche on the mountain in three years.
The pair were part of a team of four out on the mountain at the time of the incident. Their companions raised the alarm.
The injured man was taken by ambulance to the Belford Hospital in Fort William.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3.25pm on Friday, December 30, 2022, we received a report of two people falling in an avalanche at Ben Nevis.
“The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were dispatched and a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A 42-year-old man was taken to Belford Hospital with non-life threatening injuries."
Earlier this year an experienced climber died after a fall on Ben Nevis.
The incident took place on Friday 29 July, when Rob Brown was enjoying a day out climbing the North Face of Scotland's highest mountain.
Rob's body and his belongings were retrieved by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
A statement about Rob's death was posted on his Facebook page today.
It read: "On Friday 29th July 2022 we lost Rob to a climbing accident on the North Face of Ben Nevis.
"It was a beautiful day and he was excited to enjoy it in the mountains, as he always loved doing with his free time.
"It was a tragic accident that couldn't have been prevented and we want everyone to know it was quick and painless for him.”
