The two men were climbing in Coire an Lochain when the leader fell. Photo: Jim Barton CC-BY-SA-2.0

A man has died after he fell while climbing in the Cairngorms.

The climber was with another man on a route in Coire an Lochain in the Northern Corries on Wednesday when he fell about 15m (50ft).

The man, who was leading the route, was airlifted to hospital, but died of his injuries.

Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 10.30am and members were joined by instructors from Glenmore Lodge. The Inverness Coastguard helicopter also flew to the scene.

The climber’s fall was arrested by his rope, but he suffered serious injuries in the incident. His companion was uninjured but was helped by mountain rescuers before he too was airlifted from the mountain. The pair, from England, were visiting the Cairngorms.

Rescuers said the helicopter crew were operating in difficult conditions with low visibility, and the operation took place on steep terrain.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The man was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with serious injuries. However, sadly he died shortly after arrival.”

The climber’s identity has not been released.