One walker is still missing on Ben Nevis. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A walker is missing on Ben Nevis in severe conditions, after two others were rescued.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was alerted on Sunday afternoon when the group reported themselves in difficulty.

Rescuers found two of the men about 6pm and brought them to safety but a companion is still unaccounted for.

Police Scotland said the rescue team was unable to conduct further searches of the mountain on Sunday because of challenging blizzard conditions, restricted visibility and the risk of avalanche.

A Lochaber MRT spokesperson said: “On Sunday afternoon LMRT were called out after a report was received of two hillwalkers requiring assistance near to the summit of Ben Nevis and a third member of the same party missing.

“A challenging seven hours followed for 25 team members who endured high winds, poor visibility, darkness and waist-deep snow to rescue the two casualties whose location was known.

“Support was provided by Rescue 951 [the Inverness Coastguard helicopter] who tackled very serious flying conditions.

“The dangerous conditions prevented any further search being carried out for the missing person at that time.

“A further search was made today with assistance of 12 team members but poor visibility and a high avalanche risk hampered searching.

“Searching will continue when conditions permit.”

Inspector Isla Campbell said: “We would urge any climbers or walkers who were on Ben Nevis on Sunday to report anything they believe may be of assistance to us as soon as possible.

“The conditions on Ben Nevis are currently very challenging and I would urge any walkers or climbers planning a trip to the area to take this into account.

“Any information, no matter how minor it may seem, can be useful and it can be passed to us in Fort William by calling 101, using reference NP662/18.”

Footage from Lochaber MRT showing conditions on Ben Nevis during the search