Two hikers airlifted off Highland mountain after being 'hit by piles of hardened snow'

Two climbers were airlifted off a mountain after being injured by piles of hardened snow which fell on them.

The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team was called to assist two mountaineers who were hit by a cornice collapse on Coire an t-Sneachda in the Cairngorms around 3.30pm on Sunday.

The hardened snow collapsed in the Mess of Pottage area, and HM Coastguard crews from Inverness were also called to the scene.

Volunteers say the casualties were treated at the site then lowered to the floor of the corrie and put on a stretcher before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The RAF’s mountain rescue team also gave assistance to crews.

Cairngorm MRT said: “This afternoon, Cairngorm MRT responded to two injured mountaineers who were hit by a cornice collapse in the Mess of Pottage area of Coire a t-Sneachda.

“The casualties were treated onsite, lowered to the coire floor and stretchered out to HM Coastguard – Highland R151 from Inverness.

“Thankfully RAF Valley MRT were training in the area and assisted throughout the rescue.

“Thanks again to Cairngorm Mountain Resort for their logistical help getting team members out onto the hill.”

HM Coastguard said: “Our search and rescue helicopter airlifted two injured people from Coire an t-Sneachda to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on February 16 after the alarm was raised at about 3.30pm.

“Police Scotland and Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team were also informed.”