The Ben Nevis rescue took place in darkness. Photo: Graham Lewis

Police in the Highlands appealed to hillgoers to remember the shorter daylight hours at this time of year after two rescues, one of which was carried out in darkness.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called out yesterday to help a man in his 40s on Ben Nevis who got into difficulties while abseiling.

Police said the man experienced medical problems with his leg when the party of three of which he was a member were coming down from the 1,344m (4,409ft) mountain.

Team members then led the group to safety in darkness.

Earlier in the day, a man in his late 20s was rescued by Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team after falling 12m (40ft) from a route on Creagan Coire on Sròn a’ Cha-no. The team was alerted about 1.55pm.

He was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with a suspected back injury and subsequently discharged.

A Northern Constabulary spokesperson said: “Climbers are reminded to allow for shorter hours of daylight at this time of year, with darkness closing in during mid-afternoon.”