A crew of 22 were used to save three climbers who had become stuck in the snow on a Scots hill during a seven-hour long mammoth rescue mission.
The trio had been scaling Coire an Lochan in the Highlands without ropes or technical equipment during treacherous conditions yesterday. Due to the subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall, the group became crag fast and were unable to ascend or retreat from the climb.
The alarm was raised to Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Teams (CMRT), who sent dozens of volunteers to rescue the hikers at 5.30pm. The crew were able to set up a rigging system that allowed one team member to be lowered down to the casualties.
Each casualty was then hauled up to safety, one at a time. On arrival, the trio were found cold but after some rewarming they were eventually able to walk off the hill.
Everyone, including the casualties, arrived back at base by 1am. It is the second call-out of this nature for CRMT in just one week.
Crews have warned hikers that current snow conditions are leading to difficult conditions, even on normal, lower-grade routes.
A statement reads: "CMRT were called out at 5.30pm yesterday to a party of three who had become crag fast after going off route in Coire an Lochan. Without ropes and technical equipment the three were unable to ascend or retreat from the climb.
"Twenty-two team members made their way onto the hill and were able to set up a rigging system that allowed one team member to be lowered down to the casualties. Each casualty was then hauled up to safety one at a time.
"The casualties were very cold but after some rewarming they were able to walk off the hill with everyone back at base for 1am. This is the second call out within a week of this nature.
"The current lean snow conditions are leading to difficult conditions even on normal lower grade routes."
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