Man dies on Ben Nevis in the Highlands after 24 people get into difficulty

A man has died and two others have been taken to hospital following a major rescue operation on Ben Nevis.

Police responded after 24 people got into difficulty on the mountain on Tuesday afternoon around 2.15pm.

Emergency services and mountain rescue teams scrambled to assist the large group, however a 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Members of the Army initially provided support to the stranded walkers before rescue teams arrived, however, two soldiers, aged 29 and 37, were injured during the mission and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

The remainder of the group were evacuated from the mountain.

It comes after Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were called out 12 times in the five days since Saturday with three incidents resulting in fatalities.

“We’d like to extend our heart fealt condolence to the friends and family of those involved at this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.15pm on Tuesday, March 8, police were made aware of concerns for a number of people in difficulty on Ben Nevis.

“Emergency services and mountain rescue colleagues attended to assist 17 people off the mountain. We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, whilst a further two men, aged 29 and 37, were treated for minor injuries in hospital.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

A spokesman for Army Headquarters Scotland said: “A small number of soldiers provided support to stranded walkers on Ben Nevis on Tuesday.

“They assisted the party until emergency and mountain rescue services were able to reach them.”

“Two soldiers, aged 29 and 37-years-old, were hurt while doing this and needed hospital treatment for minor injuries.”