The avalanche risk on Ben Nevis was rated considerable. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Three climbers were rescued after being injured in an avalanche on Britain’s highest mountain.
Police Scotland said officers received a report of the incident on Ben Nevis about 12.15pm on Saturday.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called out and a Coastguard helicopter flew to the scene.
The three climbers were taken to Belford Hospital in Fort William where they are being treated for injuries that police said were not believed to be life-threatening.
After a lean winter period with only moderate recent avalanche risks, Lochaber experienced fresh snow, with the forecast from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service raising the hazard to considerable above 900m on north-westerly through to eastern aspects on Saturday.
The risk will remain high on Sunday, with unstable windslab and fragile cornices developing. Snow showers are likely to peter out and winds slacken.
The considerable risk means natural avalanches may occur, both in Lochaber and Creag Meagaidh, with the Cairngorms and Glencoe subject to human-triggered slides, with a moderate risk. Torridon has a low avalanche risk. Forecasts are available on the SAIS website.
