Walkers rescued after getting stuck on ridge in blizzard

Two hillwalkers were rescued after getting into difficulty on an exposed mountain ridge in a blizzard.

They raised the alarm at about 13:30 on Saturday when they became crag-fast, meaning they were unable to ascend or descend the Forcan Ridge in Glen Shiel.

Kintail Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) said the walkers were at risk of severe hypothermia because of the cold, and had started feeling sick and unsteady on their feet.

Seven volunteers from the team managed to reach the pair, warm them up and lower them to a path from where they were able to walk to safety.

Low cloud and heavy snow meant a helicopter could not be brought in to assist in the rescue.

Kintail MRT deputy leader Richie Mason said one of the walkers had slipped earlier in the day.

While the person was not injured, Mr Mason said they lost their confidence about being able to descend the ridge in poor weather.

He said the walkers did the right thing by calling police for help, and they used a torch to direct rescuers to their position.

Mr Mason told BBC Scotland News: "Where they were located it was quite challenging to get to them.

"We were aware they were very cold and they had spoken to me on the phone to say they were starting to feel sick and had a loose feeling in their legs."

The rescuers gave the walkers extra jackets, gloves, hats - and hot drinks - to warm them up.

Mr Mason said: "They were in good spirits and I think relieved to see the team.

"Our team is very good at making people laugh and the walkers were quite happy."

Forcan Ridge is described as a challenging route usually tackled by scrambling - a technique that involves using hands and feet to clamber over rocky terrain.

The ridge gives access to The Saddle, a 1,010m (3,314ft) mountain.

"In daylight, if you are not very confident with heights, it is probably a scary place - and if you are in the dark and there's snow it becomes a very scary place," said Mr Mason.