The man became ill while walking above the 'halfway lochan'

A walker has died after being airlifted from Britain’s highest mountain.

The walker, described by police as a young man, was reported to be in difficulties after becoming ill above Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe on Ben Nevis yesterday, Sunday.

Police at Fort William were contacted at 7.35pm and members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team went to the man’s aid. He was found by the teams and the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter flew him from the mountain.

A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said: “The casualty was taken to the Belford Hospital at Fort William, where medical staff fought to stabilise him but at 11.15pm it was reported that he has passed away.”

The man’s details will not be released until his next of kin have been informed.

A report will be prepared for the procurator fiscal in Fort William.