The search area included Ruinsival. Photo: Arjen CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers searching for a missing hillwalker on a Hebridean island have found a body.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team joined Coastguard and Police Scotland officers in the search on Rùm.

The elderly man was reported overdue overnight and the search began today on the southern end of the island, which lies 25km (16 miles) west of Mallaig.

Lochaber MRT said 12 team members and search dog Tara scoured the ridges and corries of Ruinsival and Sgùrr nan Gillean.

A Police spokesperson said: “Sadly, the body of a male person has been recovered from a mountainside having apparently fallen.

“Next of kin have been informed. No further details are available at this time.”

A rescue team spokesperson said the body was found on the descent towards Harris.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends,” the spokesperson added.

The Stornoway Coastguard helicopter and the Mallaig RNLI lifeboat also took part in the operation.