Mountain rescue team in the Cairngorms - in pictures

The team leaves its Inverdruie HQ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

On exercise in the Cairngorms, practising rescue techniques at Cnap Coire Na Spreidh Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

On exercise in the Cairngorms practising rescue techniques Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Equipment hanging from a team member's belt
Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Digging into the snow at Cnap Coire Na Spreidh Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Taking a compass bearing Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Deputy team leader, Donnie Williamson Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Preparing a stretcher up on the mountain Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

One of the team acts the role of a stranded climber Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

The 'stranded climber' is strapped down ready for the journey back to HQ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

The rescue in action Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Heading back to HQ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian

Job done, the rest of the team walk back to base Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Guardian